1988 BMW 520 vs. 2010 Cadillac DTS
To start off, 2010 Cadillac DTS is newer by 22 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Cadillac DTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Cadillac DTS (292 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Cadillac DTS should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Cadillac DTS weights approximately 248 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, 2010 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, 2010 Cadillac DTS (390 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 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 | 2010 Cadillac DTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 520 | DTS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| 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 | 1818 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5273 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2936 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
