2004 BMW 545i vs. 2005 Cadillac STS

The BMW 5 Series was all-new for 2004. Though a few inches longer, wider, and taller than the previous-generation car, the new 5 shaves pounds thanks to extensive use of aluminum. Suspension arms, subframes, steering rack, brake calipers and rotor hats, the hood, front fenders, and most of the front structure forward of the windshield pillars are formed from the weight-saving metal. The 545i grabs the lovely 4.4-liter Valvetronic V-8 and ZF six-speed automatic transmission from the 7 Series flagship. That's what we call a good start.

Our 545i came with a base price of $55,695. An extensive list of options, including a premium sound system and six-disc in-dash CD changer ($1800), rear sunshade ($575), fold-down rear seat ($475), park distance control ($700), sport package including performance tires, sport seats, lowered suspension, active steering and active roll stabilization ($3300), and satellite-radio prep, ran the total to $62,620. The STS we tested was equipped with optional navigation, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, and satellite radio that, if added to the BMW, would bring its price to $68,215.

As it turns out, although both cars are in the same $63,000 price neighborhood as equipped, sport four doors, lots of luxury equipment, and four-and-a-half-liter V-8 engines with 300-plus horsepower, they have much different personalities.