2008 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2009 Cadillac XLR
To start off, 2009 Cadillac XLR is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac XLR (322 HP @ 6450 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. (183 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 117 kg more than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Cadillac XLR. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 2009 Cadillac XLR (423 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2009 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2009 Cadillac XLR | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Cadillac |
| Model | Spider | XLR |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 4565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 322 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6450 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 423 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1722 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
