2005 Cadillac XLR vs. 1981 Ford Capri

To start off, 2005 Cadillac XLR is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Capri would be higher. At 4,564 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Cadillac XLR (322 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (158 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 484 kg more than 1981 Ford Capri. 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 (420 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (221 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2005 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri. 2005 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Capri will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2005 Cadillac XLR 1981 Ford Capri
Make Cadillac Ford
Model XLR Capri
Year Released 2005 1981
Body Type Convertible Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4564 cc 2792 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 322 HP 158 HP
Engine RPM 6400 RPM 5700 RPM
Torque 420 Nm 221 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 4300 RPM
Engine Bore Size 93 mm 93 mm
Engine Stroke Size 84 mm 68.5 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline - Premium Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 2 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1654 kg 1170 kg
Vehicle Length 4520 mm 4360 mm
Vehicle Width 1840 mm 1700 mm
Vehicle Height 1290 mm 1330 mm
Wheelbase Size 2690 mm 2570 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 68 L 59 L