1997 BMW S3 vs. 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood
To start off, 1997 BMW S3 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood would be higher. At 6,382 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood (325 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1997 BMW S3. (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW S3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood weights approximately 1204 kg more than 1997 BMW S3. 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, 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood (583 Nm) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW S3. (330 Nm). This means 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW S3. 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW S3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW S3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW S3 | 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | S3 | Fleetwood |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 6382 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 583 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 258 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 2572 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2060 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3810 mm |
