2006 Cadillac XLR vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Cadillac XLR. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Cadillac XLR 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 120 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 263 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Cadillac XLR. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 2006 Cadillac XLR (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2006 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Cadillac XLR | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | XLR | GTI |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4572 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
