1997 Buick LeSabre vs. 2009 Cadillac XLR
To start off, 2009 Cadillac XLR is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac XLR (322 HP @ 6450 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1997 Buick LeSabre. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 232 kg more than 1997 Buick LeSabre. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Cadillac XLR is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Cadillac XLR. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Buick LeSabre, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick LeSabre. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick LeSabre | 2009 Cadillac XLR | |
| Make | Buick | Cadillac |
| Model | LeSabre | XLR |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 322 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6450 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 423 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1722 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 68 L |
