2005 Cadillac XLR vs. 2002 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Cadillac XLR is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen Passat 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 174 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 347 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Cadillac XLR. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2005 Cadillac XLR (420 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Passat. (241 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2005 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Cadillac XLR | 2002 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | XLR | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4564 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 322 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 1307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 62 L |
