1972 BMW 3 vs. 1962 Cadillac DeVille
To start off, 1972 BMW 3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Cadillac DeVille. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Cadillac DeVille would be higher. At 6,390 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 Cadillac DeVille is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1962 Cadillac DeVille. (197 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1962 Cadillac DeVille. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Cadillac DeVille weights approximately 684 kg more than 1972 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, 1962 Cadillac DeVille (582 Nm) has 311 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (271 Nm). This means 1962 Cadillac DeVille will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3. 1962 Cadillac DeVille has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1962 Cadillac DeVille will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1962 Cadillac DeVille | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 3 | DeVille |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 6390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 582 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 98.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 2058 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3300 mm |
