1988 BMW 524 vs. 2002 Cadillac Catera
To start off, 2002 Cadillac Catera is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 524. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 524 would be higher. At 2,961 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 350 kg more than 1988 BMW 524. 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, 2002 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524. 2002 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 524 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 524 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Cadillac Catera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 2002 Cadillac Catera | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 524 | Catera |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2961 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2940 mm |
