1971 BMW 3 vs. 2009 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2009 Cadillac CTS is newer by 38 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2009 Cadillac CTS. (179 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 408 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1971 BMW 3 (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Cadillac CTS. (232 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2009 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 3 | CTS |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1788 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2890 mm |
