1996 BMW 316 vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 316 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Cadillac CTS (270 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1996 BMW 316. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 438 kg more than 1996 BMW 316. 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 (302 Nm @ 5700 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 316 | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 316 | CTS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4877 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 68 L |
