1981 BMW 518 vs. 2005 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2005 Cadillac CTS is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 518 would be higher. At 3,175 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Cadillac CTS (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 654 kg more than 1981 BMW 518. 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, 2005 Cadillac CTS (300 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 2005 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 518 | CTS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 3175 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1794 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2890 mm |
