2002 Cadillac XLR vs. 1979 Ferrari 308
To start off, 2002 Cadillac XLR is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 4,570 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Cadillac XLR (316 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1979 Ferrari 308. (255 HP @ 7700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1979 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 289 kg more than 1979 Ferrari 308. 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, 2002 Cadillac XLR (407 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ferrari 308. 2002 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1979 Ferrari 308 has manual transmission. 1979 Ferrari 308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Cadillac XLR | 1979 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ferrari |
| Model | XLR | 308 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4570 cc | 2927 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 316 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 7700 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 283 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 71 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2560 mm |
