1972 BMW 520 vs. 2011 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2011 Cadillac CTS is newer by 39 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Cadillac CTS (270 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 303 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, 2011 Cadillac CTS (302 Nm @ 5700 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 2011 Cadillac CTS 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. 2011 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2011 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 520 | CTS |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 68 L |
