1980 BMW M1 vs. 2005 Cadillac XLR
To start off, 2005 Cadillac XLR is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M1 would be higher. At 4,564 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Cadillac XLR (322 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1980 BMW M1. (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW M1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 238 kg more than 1980 BMW M1. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Cadillac XLR (420 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW M1. (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW M1. 2005 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1980 BMW M1 has manual transmission. 1980 BMW M1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M1 | 2005 Cadillac XLR | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | M1 | XLR |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 4564 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 322 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 262 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 1654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2690 mm |
