2009 Cadillac XLR vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2009 Cadillac XLR is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 (322 HP @ 6450 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. (195 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 33 kg more than 2009 Cadillac XLR.
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 (423 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. (358 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac XLR | 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XLR | 300 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 322 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6450 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1722 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 82 L |
