2008 Cadillac XLR vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Cadillac XLR. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Cadillac XLR would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2008 Cadillac XLR. (320 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2008 Cadillac XLR. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 100 kg more than 2008 Cadillac XLR. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Cadillac XLR. (421 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Cadillac XLR.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Cadillac XLR | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XLR | CLS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4566 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 421 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
