2009 Cadillac XLR vs. 1981 Porsche 944
To start off, 2009 Cadillac XLR is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 944 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 176 more horse power than 1981 Porsche 944. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1981 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 290 kg more than 1981 Porsche 944. 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 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Porsche 944. (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac XLR | 1981 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Porsche |
| Model | XLR | 944 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 3.7:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2410 mm |
