2009 Cadillac XLR vs. 2003 Honda S2000
To start off, 2009 Cadillac XLR is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda S2000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda S2000 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 81 more horse power than 2003 Honda S2000. (240 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda S2000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 349 kg more than 2003 Honda S2000. 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 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda S2000. (220 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda S2000. 2009 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 2003 Honda S2000 has manual transmission. 2003 Honda S2000 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 | 2003 Honda S2000 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Honda |
| Model | XLR | S2000 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 2157 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 3.7:1 | 11.1:1 |
| 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 | 1286 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 50 L |
