1998 BMW Z3 vs. 2008 Cadillac XLR
To start off, 2008 Cadillac XLR is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Cadillac XLR (320 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1998 BMW Z3. (191 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 100 kg more than 1998 BMW Z3. 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, 2008 Cadillac XLR (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW Z3. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2008 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW Z3. 2008 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Z3 | 2008 Cadillac XLR | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | Z3 | XLR |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 4565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2690 mm |
