1972 BMW 3 vs. 2009 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2009 Cadillac CTS is newer by 37 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 5,664 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac CTS (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 475 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, 2009 Cadillac CTS (536 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 3 | CTS |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 5664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 395 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 536 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 274 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
