1978 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Cadillac Eldorado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Cadillac Eldorado would be higher. At 6,964 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1978 Cadillac Eldorado. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1978 Cadillac Eldorado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 250 kg more than 2012 BMW 550.
Because 2012 BMW 550 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Cadillac Eldorado, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Cadillac Eldorado. (433 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Cadillac Eldorado.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Cadillac Eldorado | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Cadillac | BMW |
| Model | Eldorado | 550 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6964 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 433 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5700 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2968 mm |
