1985 AC Cobra vs. 2009 Cadillac XLR
To start off, 2009 Cadillac XLR is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac XLR (322 HP @ 6450 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1985 AC Cobra. (223 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1985 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 642 kg more than 1985 AC Cobra. 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, 2009 Cadillac XLR (423 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 AC Cobra. (407 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 AC Cobra. 2009 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1985 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1985 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 AC Cobra | 2009 Cadillac XLR | |
| Make | AC | Cadillac |
| Model | Cobra | XLR |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 4565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 322 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6450 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 423 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1722 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 68 L |
