2003 Cadillac XLR vs. 1978 Cadillac Seville
To start off, 2003 Cadillac XLR is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Cadillac Seville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Cadillac Seville would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Cadillac Seville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Cadillac XLR (311 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1978 Cadillac Seville. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1978 Cadillac Seville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Cadillac Seville weights approximately 250 kg more than 2003 Cadillac XLR.
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, 2003 Cadillac XLR (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Cadillac Seville. (365 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Cadillac Seville. 1978 Cadillac Seville has automatic transmission and 2003 Cadillac XLR has manual transmission. 2003 Cadillac XLR will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Cadillac Seville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac XLR | 1978 Cadillac Seville | |
| Make | Cadillac | Cadillac |
| Model | XLR | Seville |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4572 cc | 5735 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2910 mm |
