1990 BMW 518 vs. 2005 Cadillac XLR
To start off, 2005 Cadillac XLR is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 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 209 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 294 kg more than 1990 BMW 518. 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 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2005 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518. 2005 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 518 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:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 2005 Cadillac XLR | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 518 | XLR |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 4564 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 322 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.4 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 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 | 80 L | 68 L |
