2005 Cadillac XLR vs. 1990 BMW 850
To start off, 2005 Cadillac XLR is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1990 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Cadillac XLR (301 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1990 BMW 850. (297 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 850 weights approximately 136 kg more than 2005 Cadillac XLR.
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, 1990 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Cadillac XLR. (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Cadillac XLR.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Cadillac XLR | 1990 BMW 850 | |
| Make | Cadillac | BMW |
| Model | XLR | 850 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4572 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 52 L |
