1998 BMW 316 vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 316 would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Cadillac CTS (318 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (106 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 528 kg more than 1998 BMW 316. 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, 2012 Cadillac CTS (372 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316. 2012 Cadillac CTS has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 316 | CTS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1778 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 68 L |
