1981 Cadillac Seville vs. 2012 BMW 118
To start off, 2012 BMW 118 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Cadillac Seville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Cadillac Seville would be higher. At 4,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Cadillac Seville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 118 (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1981 Cadillac Seville. (123 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1981 Cadillac Seville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Cadillac Seville weights approximately 120 kg more than 2012 BMW 118.
Because 2012 BMW 118 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 118. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Cadillac Seville, 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 118 (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Cadillac Seville. (284 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Cadillac Seville.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Cadillac Seville | 2012 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Cadillac | BMW |
| Model | Seville | 118 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2660 mm |
