2004 Cadillac CTS vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Cadillac CTS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Cadillac CTS would be higher. At 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2004 Cadillac CTS. (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2004 Cadillac CTS.
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 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Cadillac CTS. (232 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Cadillac CTS. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2004 Cadillac CTS has manual transmission. 2004 Cadillac CTS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Cadillac CTS | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Cadillac | BMW |
| Model | CTS | 520 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 179 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
