1988 BMW 535 vs. 2002 Cadillac XLR
To start off, 2002 Cadillac XLR is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 535. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 535 would be higher. At 4,570 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Cadillac XLR (316 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 124 kg more than 1988 BMW 535. 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, 2002 Cadillac XLR (407 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 535. 2002 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 535 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 535 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 2002 Cadillac XLR | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 535 | XLR |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 4570 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 316 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 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 | 1530 kg | 1654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 68 L |
