2009 Cadillac XLR vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Cadillac XLR is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz S 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 (322 HP @ 6450 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz S. (242 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 13 kg more than 2009 Cadillac XLR.
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 (423 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz S. (351 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac XLR | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XLR | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 322 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6450 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1722 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 62 L |
