1985 BMW M5 vs. 2012 Cadillac Escalade
To start off, 2012 Cadillac Escalade is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 BMW M5 would be higher. At 6,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Cadillac Escalade (332 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1985 BMW M5. (256 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac Escalade should accelerate faster than 1985 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac Escalade weights approximately 1167 kg more than 1985 BMW M5. 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, 2012 Cadillac Escalade (497 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 BMW M5. (290 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac Escalade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 BMW M5. 2012 Cadillac Escalade has automatic transmission and 1985 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1985 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Cadillac Escalade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW M5 | 2012 Cadillac Escalade | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | M5 | Escalade |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 497 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 2667 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2007 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1928 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2946 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.7 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.5 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 95 L |
