1972 BMW 3 vs. 2005 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2005 Cadillac CTS is newer by 33 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 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Cadillac CTS (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 356 kg more than 1972 BMW 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Cadillac CTS (536 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2005 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2005 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 3 | CTS |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 395 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 536 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 274 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2900 mm |
