2003 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2012 Cadillac CTS. (270 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 363 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Cadillac CTS. (302 Nm @ 5700 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | M3 | CTS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
