1989 Cadillac Fleetwood vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood would be higher. At 4,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 259 more horse power than 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood. (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW M3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood. (325 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood. 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Cadillac | BMW |
| Model | Fleetwood | M3 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4467 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2761 mm |
