1983 BMW 525 vs. 1997 Cadillac Catera
To start off, 1997 Cadillac Catera is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1983 BMW 525. (123 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 455 kg more than 1983 BMW 525. 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, 1997 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 525. (241 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1997 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 525. 1997 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1983 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1983 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Cadillac Catera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 525 | 1997 Cadillac Catera | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 525 | Catera |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2693 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
