2002 Cadillac XLR vs. 1990 Honda Civic

To start off, 2002 Cadillac XLR is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Honda Civic 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 166 more horse power than 1990 Honda Civic. (150 HP @ 7600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1990 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 616 kg more than 1990 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2002 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 2002 Cadillac XLR. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Honda Civic, 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, 2002 Cadillac XLR (407 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda Civic. (144 Nm @ 7100 RPM). This means 2002 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda Civic. 2002 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1990 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1990 Honda Civic 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 1990 Honda Civic
Make Cadillac Honda
Model XLR Civic
Year Released 2002 1990
Body Type Convertible Hatchback
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4570 cc 1595 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 316 HP 150 HP
Engine RPM 6400 RPM 7600 RPM
Torque 407 Nm 144 Nm
Torque RPM 4400 RPM 7100 RPM
Engine Bore Size 93 mm 81 mm
Engine Stroke Size 84 mm 77.4 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.5:1 10.2:1
Top Speed 250 km/hour 208 km/hour
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 3 doors
Vehicle Weight 1654 kg 1038 kg
Vehicle Length 4520 mm 3970 mm
Vehicle Width 1840 mm 1690 mm
Vehicle Height 1290 mm 1340 mm
Wheelbase Size 2690 mm 2610 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 68 L 60 L