1996 BMW 540 vs. 2009 Cadillac DTS
To start off, 2009 Cadillac DTS is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac DTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac DTS (292 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac DTS should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2009 Cadillac DTS.
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, 2009 Cadillac DTS, 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 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Cadillac DTS. (391 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Cadillac DTS. 2009 Cadillac DTS has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 540 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Cadillac DTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2009 Cadillac DTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 540 | DTS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 4565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 391 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
