2005 Cadillac XLR vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Cadillac XLR is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 303 more horse power than 2005 Cadillac XLR. (301 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Cadillac XLR. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 456 kg more than 2005 Cadillac XLR. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (998 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 578 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Cadillac XLR. (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Cadillac XLR.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Cadillac XLR | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XLR | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4572 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 998 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 3.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 2110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
