2008 Cadillac XLR vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 4 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 4,371 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Cadillac XLR (444 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. (240 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 610 kg more than 2008 Cadillac XLR.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Cadillac XLR. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (616 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Cadillac XLR. (561 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Cadillac XLR.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Cadillac XLR | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XLR | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4371 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 561 Nm | 616 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 2170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.2 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 90 L |
