2008 Cadillac XLR vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 4,566 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Cadillac XLR (320 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 315 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (5 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 97 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2008 Cadillac XLR (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Cadillac XLR | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XLR | SLK |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4566 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 5 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1638 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
