2008 Cadillac XLR vs. 1997 Mercury Mystique
To start off, 2008 Cadillac XLR is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercury Mystique. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercury Mystique 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 190 more horse power than 1997 Mercury Mystique. (130 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercury Mystique. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 396 kg more than 1997 Mercury Mystique. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Cadillac XLR. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Mystique, 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 (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Mystique. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Mystique. 2008 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercury Mystique has manual transmission. 1997 Mercury Mystique 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 | 1997 Mercury Mystique | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercury |
| Model | XLR | Mystique |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4566 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1638 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2710 mm |
