2006 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2011 Cadillac CTS is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2011 Cadillac CTS. (270 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 93 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Cadillac CTS. (302 Nm @ 5700 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Cadillac CTS. 2011 Cadillac CTS has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2011 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | M3 | CTS |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
