2003 Cadillac XLR vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 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, 2003 Cadillac XLR (311 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. (168 HP @ 3000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 95 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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 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 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac XLR | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XLR | E |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4572 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 229 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 8.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 1735 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 80 L |
