1978 BMW 730 vs. 2009 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2009 Cadillac CTS is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 730 would be higher. At 3,175 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac CTS (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 BMW 730. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 280 kg more than 1978 BMW 730. 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, 2009 Cadillac CTS (300 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 2009 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 730 | CTS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 3175 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2890 mm |
