1972 BMW 3 vs. 1981 Cadillac Eldorado
To start off, 1981 Cadillac Eldorado is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 6,030 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1981 Cadillac Eldorado. (139 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Cadillac Eldorado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 256 kg more than 1972 BMW 3.
Because 1972 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 1972 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Cadillac Eldorado, 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, 1981 Cadillac Eldorado (358 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1981 Cadillac Eldorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1981 Cadillac Eldorado | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 3 | Eldorado |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 6030 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2900 mm |
