2005 Cadillac XLR vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2005 Cadillac XLR is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Cadillac XLR (320 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 282 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 915 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, 2005 Cadillac XLR (400 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 311 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Cadillac XLR | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | XLR | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2410 mm |
