2008 Cadillac XLR vs. 1968 Ford 17
To start off, 2008 Cadillac XLR is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 17 would be higher. At 4,371 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Cadillac XLR (444 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 359 more horse power than 1968 Ford 17. (85 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 440 kg more than 1968 Ford 17. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Ford 17 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 1968 Ford 17. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac XLR, 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, 2008 Cadillac XLR (561 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 413 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 17. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Cadillac XLR | 1968 Ford 17 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | XLR | 17 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4371 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 561 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 60.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 45 L |
