2001 Cadillac XLR vs. 1975 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2001 Cadillac XLR is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Cadillac XLR (316 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 754 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Cadillac XLR. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2001 Cadillac XLR (401 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 283 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. (118 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. 2001 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1975 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1975 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Cadillac XLR | 1975 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | XLR | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 316 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 45 L |
