2009 Cadillac XLR vs. 1979 Ferrari 400
To start off, 2009 Cadillac XLR is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac XLR (321 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1979 Ferrari 400. (315 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1979 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 183 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 (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ferrari 400. (412 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ferrari 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac XLR | 1979 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ferrari |
| Model | XLR | 400 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 412 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 3.7:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1818 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 120 L |
