2001 Cadillac XLR vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Cadillac XLR is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 200 more horse power than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 684 kg more than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2001 Cadillac XLR (401 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2001 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2001 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mazda |
| Model | XLR | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 316 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2270 mm |
