2006 Cadillac XLR vs. 1978 Ferrari 308
To start off, 2006 Cadillac XLR is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 4,572 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Cadillac XLR (320 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1978 Ferrari 308. (255 HP @ 7700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1978 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 291 kg more than 1978 Ferrari 308. 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, 2006 Cadillac XLR (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Cadillac XLR | 1978 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ferrari |
| Model | XLR | 308 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4572 cc | 2927 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 7700 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 283 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2560 mm |
