1971 BMW 3 vs. 1988 Cadillac Seville
To start off, 1988 Cadillac Seville is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 4,473 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Cadillac Seville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1988 Cadillac Seville. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Cadillac Seville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Cadillac Seville weights approximately 180 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
Because 1971 BMW 3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1971 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Cadillac Seville, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 Cadillac Seville (325 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1988 Cadillac Seville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 1988 Cadillac Seville has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Cadillac Seville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1988 Cadillac Seville | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 3 | Seville |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4473 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2750 mm |
