2005 Cadillac XLR vs. 2006 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Cadillac XLR. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Cadillac XLR 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 2006 Smart Roadster. (100 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 684 kg more than 2006 Smart Roadster. 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, 2005 Cadillac XLR (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart Roadster. (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart Roadster. 2005 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 2006 Smart Roadster has manual transmission. 2006 Smart Roadster 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 | 2006 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Cadillac | Smart |
| Model | XLR | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4572 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| 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 | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 35 L |
