2002 Cadillac XLR vs. 1981 Subaru Rex
To start off, 2002 Cadillac XLR is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Subaru Rex. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Subaru Rex 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 287 more horse power than 1981 Subaru Rex. (29 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1981 Subaru Rex. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 1119 kg more than 1981 Subaru Rex. 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 365 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Subaru Rex. (42 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Subaru Rex. 2002 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1981 Subaru Rex has manual transmission. 1981 Subaru Rex 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 | 1981 Subaru Rex | |
| Make | Cadillac | Subaru |
| Model | XLR | Rex |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4570 cc | 544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 316 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 1930 mm |
