2005 Cadillac XLR vs. 1997 Dodge Viper
To start off, 2005 Cadillac XLR is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Dodge Viper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Dodge Viper would be higher. At 7,990 cc (10 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Viper (376 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2005 Cadillac XLR. (301 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 2005 Cadillac XLR. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 89 kg more than 1997 Dodge Viper.
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, 1997 Dodge Viper (620 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Cadillac XLR. (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1997 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Cadillac XLR. 2005 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1997 Dodge Viper has manual transmission. 1997 Dodge Viper 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 | 1997 Dodge Viper | |
| Make | Cadillac | Dodge |
| Model | XLR | Viper |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4572 cc | 7990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2520 mm |
