2003 Cadillac XLR vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Cadillac XLR. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Cadillac XLR would be higher. At 4,572 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Cadillac XLR (311 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (268 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 90 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2003 Cadillac XLR (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac XLR | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XLR | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4572 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| 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 | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 62 L |
