2005 Cadillac XLR vs. 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2005 Cadillac XLR is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 4,572 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Cadillac XLR (301 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 307 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Jetta, 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) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm). This means 2005 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Cadillac XLR | 2004 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | XLR | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4572 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 1347 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
