1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 2008 Cadillac XLR
To start off, 2008 Cadillac XLR is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Cadillac XLR (444 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 254 kg more than 2008 Cadillac XLR.
Because 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante 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 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac XLR, 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, 2008 Cadillac XLR (561 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. 2008 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante has manual transmission. 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 2008 Cadillac XLR | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Cadillac |
| Model | V8 Volante | XLR |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 4371 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 561 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 68 L |
