2003 Acura NSX vs. 2009 Cadillac XLR
To start off, 2009 Cadillac XLR is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Acura NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Acura NSX would be higher. At 4,369 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac XLR (444 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 2003 Acura NSX. (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 291 kg more than 2003 Acura NSX. 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, 2009 Cadillac XLR (561 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura NSX. (285 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura NSX | 2009 Cadillac XLR | |
| Make | Acura | Cadillac |
| Model | NSX | XLR |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 4369 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 561 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1721 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
