1988 BMW 535 vs. 2005 Cadillac STS
To start off, 2005 Cadillac STS is newer by 17 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 3,556 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Cadillac STS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Cadillac STS (255 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac STS weights approximately 266 kg more than 1988 BMW 535. 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, 2005 Cadillac STS (339 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 535. 2005 Cadillac STS has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 535 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 535 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Cadillac STS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 2005 Cadillac STS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 535 | STS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 3556 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1796 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 64 L |
