1999 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2012 Cadillac CTS. (270 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2012 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 540 weights approximately 23 kg more than 2012 Cadillac CTS. 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, 1999 BMW 540 (439 Nm) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Cadillac CTS. (302 Nm). This means 1999 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 540 | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 540 | CTS |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 439 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1771 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4877 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2880 mm |
