2005 Cadillac XLR vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 is newer by 7 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 84 more horse power than 2012 BMW 525. (217 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 525 weights approximately 66 kg more than 2005 Cadillac XLR.
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, 2012 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Cadillac XLR. (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Cadillac XLR.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Cadillac XLR | 2012 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Cadillac | BMW |
| Model | XLR | 525 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4572 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
