2005 Cadillac XLR vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, both 2005 Cadillac XLR and 2005 Volkswagen Golf were released in the same year (2005). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 200 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 479 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Golf, 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 @ 4400 RPM) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2005 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Cadillac XLR | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | XLR | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4572 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 11.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
