1986 BMW M5 vs. 2011 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2011 Cadillac CTS is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,428 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Cadillac CTS (270 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1986 BMW M5. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 229 kg more than 1986 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, 1986 BMW M5 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Cadillac CTS. (302 Nm @ 5700 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M5 | 2011 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | M5 | CTS |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 68 L |
