1988 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Cadillac DTS
To start off, 2006 Cadillac DTS is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Cadillac DTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Cadillac DTS (275 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Cadillac DTS should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Cadillac DTS weights approximately 188 kg more than 1988 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 520 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 1988 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Cadillac DTS, 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, 2006 Cadillac DTS (388 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Cadillac DTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2006 Cadillac DTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 520 | DTS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1758 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
