2003 BMW 520 vs. 1978 Cadillac Eldorado
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Cadillac Eldorado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Cadillac Eldorado would be higher. At 6,964 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Cadillac Eldorado (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Cadillac Eldorado should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 560 kg more than 2003 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW 520 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 2003 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Cadillac Eldorado, 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, 1978 Cadillac Eldorado (433 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Cadillac Eldorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1978 Cadillac Eldorado | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 520 | Eldorado |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 6964 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 433 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 103.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 2230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3210 mm |
