2002 Cadillac XLR vs. 1987 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2002 Cadillac XLR is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Cadillac XLR (316 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1987 Chevrolet Corvette. (245 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1987 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 136 kg more than 1987 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette (467 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Cadillac XLR. (407 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1987 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Cadillac XLR. 2002 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1987 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1987 Chevrolet Corvette 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 | 1987 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Cadillac | Chevrolet |
| Model | XLR | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4570 cc | 5735 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 316 HP | 245 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 467 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 254 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 | 1518 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2450 mm |
