1996 AC Cobra vs. 2009 Cadillac XLR
To start off, 2009 Cadillac XLR is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac XLR (444 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1996 AC Cobra. (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1996 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 695 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Cadillac XLR. (561 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1996 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Cadillac XLR. 2009 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1996 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1996 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:
| 1996 AC Cobra | 2009 Cadillac XLR | |
| Make | AC | Cadillac |
| Model | Cobra | XLR |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 4369 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 561 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 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 | 1026 kg | 1721 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 |
