2008 Cadillac XLR vs. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S
To start off, 2008 Cadillac XLR is newer by 57 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S would be higher. At 4,566 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Cadillac XLR (320 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S weights approximately 105 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Cadillac XLR (421 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (230 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. 2008 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S has manual transmission. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Cadillac XLR | 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XLR | 300S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1951 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4566 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 421 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 15 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 85 L |
