2005 Cadillac XLR vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 6 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 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 2005 Cadillac XLR. (322 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2005 Cadillac XLR. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 591 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 409 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Cadillac XLR. (420 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Cadillac XLR.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Cadillac XLR | 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XLR | S |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4564 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 322 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 829 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 2245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 90 L |
