2012 Cadillac CTS vs. 1980 Lancia Gamma
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lancia Gamma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lancia Gamma would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Cadillac CTS (270 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1980 Lancia Gamma. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1980 Lancia Gamma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 428 kg more than 1980 Lancia Gamma. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Cadillac CTS 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 2012 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Lancia Gamma, 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, 2012 Cadillac CTS (302 Nm @ 5700 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lancia Gamma. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lancia Gamma. 1980 Lancia Gamma has automatic transmission and 2012 Cadillac CTS has manual transmission. 2012 Cadillac CTS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Lancia Gamma will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Cadillac CTS | 1980 Lancia Gamma | |
| Make | Cadillac | Lancia |
| Model | CTS | Gamma |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1748 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4877 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1842 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1473 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 59 L |
