2008 Cadillac XLR vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Cadillac XLR is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 329 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 160 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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 (561 Nm) has 396 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (165 Nm). This means 2008 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Cadillac XLR | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | XLR | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4371 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 561 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.2 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
