1981 Cadillac Seville vs. 2012 Ferrari California
To start off, 2012 Ferrari California 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 4,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ferrari California is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ferrari California (460 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 337 more horse power than 1981 Cadillac Seville. (123 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ferrari California should accelerate faster than 1981 Cadillac Seville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ferrari California weights approximately 65 kg more than 1981 Cadillac Seville. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Ferrari California 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 Ferrari California. 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 Ferrari California (483 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Cadillac Seville. (284 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Ferrari California will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Cadillac Seville. 1981 Cadillac Seville has automatic transmission and 2012 Ferrari California has manual transmission. 2012 Ferrari California will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Cadillac Seville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Cadillac Seville | 2012 Ferrari California | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ferrari |
| Model | Seville | California |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 4300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 460 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 483 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4562 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1308 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2670 mm |
