1977 BMW 320 vs. 1956 Cadillac 6239D
To start off, 1977 BMW 320 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Cadillac 6239D. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Cadillac 6239D would be higher. At 5,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Cadillac 6239D is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Cadillac 6239D (285 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1977 BMW 320. (122 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Cadillac 6239D should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Cadillac 6239D weights approximately 890 kg more than 1977 BMW 320. 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, 1956 Cadillac 6239D (543 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 383 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 320. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1956 Cadillac 6239D will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 320. 1956 Cadillac 6239D has automatic transmission and 1977 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1977 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1956 Cadillac 6239D will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 320 | 1956 Cadillac 6239D | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 320 | 6239D |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 5972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 122 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 543 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 2010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 75 L |
