1972 BMW 520 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 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac CTS (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 343 kg more than 1972 BMW 520. 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 (232 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2009 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 520 | CTS |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1788 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 68 L |
