1982 BMW 318 vs. 2001 Cadillac XLR
To start off, 2001 Cadillac XLR is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 BMW 318 would be higher. At 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Cadillac XLR (316 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1982 BMW 318. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1982 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 634 kg more than 1982 BMW 318. 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, 2001 Cadillac XLR (401 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 BMW 318. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 BMW 318. 2001 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1982 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1982 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 BMW 318 | 2001 Cadillac XLR | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 318 | XLR |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1765 cc | 4565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 316 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 68 L |
