2009 Cadillac XLR vs. 2002 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Cadillac XLR is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2009 Cadillac XLR. (321 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Cadillac XLR. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 295 kg more than 2002 Lotus Esprit.
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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Esprit. (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Esprit. 2009 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 2002 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 2002 Lotus Esprit 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 | 2002 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Cadillac | Lotus |
| Model | XLR | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 3504 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2430 mm |
