2004 BMW Z4 vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW Z4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW Z4 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 150 more horse power than 2004 BMW Z4. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 453 kg more than 2004 BMW Z4. 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 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW Z4. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW Z4. 2012 Cadillac CTS has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW Z4 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:
| 2004 BMW Z4 | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | Z4 | CTS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1778 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4877 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 68 L |
