1974 BMW 518 vs. 2006 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2006 Cadillac CTS is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 518 would be higher. At 3,173 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Cadillac CTS (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1974 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 550 kg more than 1974 BMW 518. 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, 2006 Cadillac CTS (300 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 518. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 518. 2006 Cadillac CTS has automatic transmission and 1974 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1974 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 518 | 2006 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 518 | CTS |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 3173 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 155 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
