2004 Cadillac XLR vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Cadillac XLR is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,572 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Cadillac XLR (320 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (168 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 280 kg more than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2004 Cadillac XLR (408 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Cadillac XLR | 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XLR | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4572 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 408 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2410 mm |
