1988 BMW 535 vs. 2013 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2013 Cadillac CTS is newer by 25 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, 2013 Cadillac CTS (266 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 238 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, 2013 Cadillac CTS (373 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 535. 2013 Cadillac CTS 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. 2013 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 2013 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 535 | CTS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1768 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4788 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1422 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 68 L |
