2001 Cadillac XLR vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Cadillac XLR. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Cadillac XLR would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (605 HP) has 289 more horse power than 2001 Cadillac XLR. (316 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2001 Cadillac XLR. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1176 kg more than 2001 Cadillac XLR. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm) has 599 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Cadillac XLR. (401 Nm). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Cadillac XLR. 2001 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XLR | SL |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 316 HP | 605 HP |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 93 mm |
| 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 | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
