2009 Cadillac XLR vs. 1988 Ford Sierra
To start off, 2009 Cadillac XLR is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Sierra 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 247 more horse power than 1988 Ford Sierra. (74 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 625 kg more than 1988 Ford Sierra. 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 298 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Sierra. (122 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Sierra. 2009 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1988 Ford Sierra has manual transmission. 1988 Ford Sierra 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 | 1988 Ford Sierra | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | XLR | Sierra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2620 mm |
