1978 BMW 320 vs. 1959 Cadillac 62
To start off, 1978 BMW 320 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Cadillac 62. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Cadillac 62 would be higher. At 6,381 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 Cadillac 62 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 320 (641 HP @ 9000 RPM) has 316 more horse power than 1959 Cadillac 62. (325 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1959 Cadillac 62. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Cadillac 62 weights approximately 1378 kg more than 1978 BMW 320.
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. 1959 Cadillac 62 has automatic transmission and 1978 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1978 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1959 Cadillac 62 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 320 | 1959 Cadillac 62 | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 320 | 62 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 6381 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 641 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 9000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 2218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3310 mm |
