1988 BMW 535 vs. 2003 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2003 Cadillac CTS is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 535. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 535 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 535 (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2003 Cadillac CTS. (179 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2003 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 90 kg more than 1988 BMW 535.
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, 1988 BMW 535 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Cadillac CTS. (245 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 2003 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 535 | CTS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 83.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 64 L |
