2004 Cadillac XLR vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Cadillac XLR. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Cadillac XLR 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 120 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 73 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat, 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 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2004 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Cadillac XLR | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | XLR | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4572 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 408 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
