2009 Cadillac STS vs. 2008 Cadillac XLR
To start off, 2009 Cadillac STS is newer by 1 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 142 more horse power than 2009 Cadillac STS. (302 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 2009 Cadillac STS.
Because 2009 Cadillac STS 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 2009 Cadillac STS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac XLR, 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 (561 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Cadillac STS. (369 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2008 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Cadillac STS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac STS | 2008 Cadillac XLR | |
| Make | Cadillac | Cadillac |
| Model | STS | XLR |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 4371 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 369 Nm | 561 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 3.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.2 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 68 L |
