2003 Cadillac XLR vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS 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 Cadillac CTS (318 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2003 Cadillac XLR. (311 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2003 Cadillac XLR. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 138 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.
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 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Cadillac CTS. (372 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Cadillac CTS. 2012 Cadillac CTS 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 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac XLR | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Cadillac | Cadillac |
| Model | XLR | CTS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4572 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 1778 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4877 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 68 L |
