2001 Cadillac XLR vs. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 2001 Cadillac XLR is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Cadillac XLR (316 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 66 kg more than 2001 Cadillac XLR.
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, 2001 Cadillac XLR (401 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Cadillac XLR | 1981 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | Cadillac | Chevrolet |
| Model | XLR | Caprice |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 5002 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 316 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2950 mm |
