1988 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2009 Cadillac CTS is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,175 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2009 Cadillac CTS. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 590 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
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, 2009 Cadillac CTS (300 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3. 2009 Cadillac CTS has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2009 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | M3 | CTS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 3175 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
