2009 Cadillac XLR vs. 1957 Lotus Seven
To start off, 2009 Cadillac XLR is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac XLR (321 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1957 Lotus Seven. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1957 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 885 kg more than 1957 Lotus Seven. 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, 2009 Cadillac XLR (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven. 2009 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1957 Lotus Seven has manual transmission. 1957 Lotus Seven will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac XLR | 1957 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | Cadillac | Lotus |
| Model | XLR | Seven |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1957 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 3.7:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 29 L |
