1978 BMW 520 vs. 2001 Cadillac Catera
To start off, 2001 Cadillac Catera is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 35 kg more than 1978 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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Cadillac Catera. 2001 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1978 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1978 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Cadillac Catera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 BMW 520 | 2001 Cadillac Catera | |
Make | BMW | Cadillac |
Model | 520 | Catera |
Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2962 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 260 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1705 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4930 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2940 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 13.9 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |