2009 Cadillac XLR vs. 1971 Opel Commodore

To start off, 2009 Cadillac XLR is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Commodore 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 207 more horse power than 1971 Opel Commodore. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 465 kg more than 1971 Opel Commodore. 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 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Commodore. (177 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Commodore. 2009 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1971 Opel Commodore has manual transmission. 1971 Opel Commodore 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 1971 Opel Commodore
Make Cadillac Opel
Model XLR Commodore
Year Released 2009 1971
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4565 cc 2490 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 321 HP 114 HP
Engine RPM 6400 RPM 5200 RPM
Torque 420 Nm 177 Nm
Torque RPM 4400 RPM 3800 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1635 kg 1170 kg
Vehicle Length 4520 mm 4580 mm
Vehicle Width 1840 mm 1760 mm
Vehicle Height 1290 mm 1430 mm
Wheelbase Size 2690 mm 2680 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 68 L 70 L