2009 Cadillac XLR vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2009 Cadillac XLR is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 4,369 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac XLR (444 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (219 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 181 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. 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 (561 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac XLR | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XLR | 380 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4369 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 561 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1721 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 90 L |
