2004 Cadillac XLR vs. 1997 Fiat Barchetta
To start off, 2004 Cadillac XLR is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Fiat Barchetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Fiat Barchetta 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 191 more horse power than 1997 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1997 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 580 kg more than 1997 Fiat Barchetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Cadillac XLR is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 Cadillac XLR. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Fiat Barchetta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2004 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Cadillac XLR | 1997 Fiat Barchetta | |
| Make | Cadillac | Fiat |
| Model | XLR | Barchetta |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4572 cc | 1747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 408 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2280 mm |
