1996 BMW Z3 vs. 2013 Cadillac CTS-V
To start off, 2013 Cadillac CTS-V is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Cadillac CTS-V is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Cadillac CTS-V (548 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 347 more horse power than 1996 BMW Z3. (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Cadillac CTS-V should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Cadillac CTS-V weights approximately 739 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3. 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-V (747 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 472 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2013 Cadillac CTS-V will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3. 1996 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 2013 Cadillac CTS-V has manual transmission. 2013 Cadillac CTS-V will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 2013 Cadillac CTS-V | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | Z3 | CTS-V |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 548 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 747 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1994 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4877 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1884 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1422 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 68 L |
