1987 BMW 318 vs. 2006 Cadillac XLR
To start off, 2006 Cadillac XLR is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 318 would be higher. At 4,572 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Cadillac XLR (320 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1987 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 690 kg more than 1987 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, 2006 Cadillac XLR (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 318. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 318 | 2006 Cadillac XLR | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 318 | XLR |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4572 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1656 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 |
