1988 BMW 535 vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS is newer by 24 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Cadillac CTS (318 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (211 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 148 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, 2012 Cadillac CTS (372 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 535.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 535 | CTS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1778 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
