1990 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS-V
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS-V is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Cadillac CTS-V is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Cadillac CTS-V (556 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 318 more horse power than 1990 BMW M3. (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS-V should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS-V weights approximately 715 kg more than 1990 BMW M3. 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-V (746 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 506 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac CTS-V will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 2012 Cadillac CTS-V | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | M3 | CTS-V |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 556 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 746 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4877 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.5 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 68 L |
