1996 BMW 523 vs. 2013 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2013 Cadillac CTS is newer by 17 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Cadillac CTS (314 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1996 BMW 523. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 223 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, 2013 Cadillac CTS (373 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 523. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2013 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 523. 2013 Cadillac CTS has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 2013 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 523 | CTS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 314 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1768 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4788 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1442 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
