1996 BMW 523 vs. 2004 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2004 Cadillac CTS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Cadillac CTS (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1996 BMW 523. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 75 kg more than 1996 BMW 523. 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, both vehicles can yield 245 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 2004 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 523 | CTS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 83.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
