1996 BMW 540 vs. 1985 Cadillac DeVille
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Cadillac DeVille. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Cadillac DeVille would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1985 Cadillac DeVille. (129 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1985 Cadillac DeVille. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1985 Cadillac DeVille. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 540 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 1996 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Cadillac DeVille, 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Cadillac DeVille. (272 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Cadillac DeVille.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1985 Cadillac DeVille | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 540 | DeVille |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4087 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2820 mm |
