2003 Cadillac XLR vs. 2012 Alpina B7
To start off, 2012 Alpina B7 is newer by 9 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, 2012 Alpina B7 (500 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 2003 Cadillac XLR. (311 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 2003 Cadillac XLR. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alpina B7 weights approximately 500 kg more than 2003 Cadillac XLR. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Alpina B7 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Cadillac XLR. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Alpina B7 (699 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Cadillac XLR. (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Cadillac XLR. 2012 Alpina B7 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. 2012 Alpina B7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac XLR | 2012 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Alpina |
| Model | XLR | B7 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4572 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 2140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5085 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3071 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 82 L |
