1972 BMW 520 vs. 2010 Cadillac STS
To start off, 2010 Cadillac STS is newer by 38 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Cadillac STS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Cadillac STS (320 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Cadillac STS weights approximately 367 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, 2010 Cadillac STS (427 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2010 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 2010 Cadillac STS has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Cadillac STS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2010 Cadillac STS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 520 | STS |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1812 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1844 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2957 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
