2001 Cadillac XLR vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 11 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 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 116 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 274 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2001 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 2001 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | XLR | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 316 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
