2009 Cadillac XLR vs. 2011 Volkswagen Polo

To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Cadillac XLR. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Cadillac XLR 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 232 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Polo. (89 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 478 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2009 Cadillac XLR is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Cadillac XLR. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Polo, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Polo. (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Polo. 2009 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Polo 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 2011 Volkswagen Polo
Make Cadillac Volkswagen
Model XLR Polo
Year Released 2009 2011
Body Type Convertible Hatchback
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4565 cc 1200 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 321 HP 89 HP
Engine RPM 6400 RPM 4200 RPM
Torque 420 Nm 230 Nm
Torque RPM 4400 RPM 1500 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Diesel
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1635 kg 1157 kg
Vehicle Length 4520 mm 3970 mm
Vehicle Width 1840 mm 1682 mm
Vehicle Height 1290 mm 1462 mm
Wheelbase Size 2690 mm 2470 mm
Fuel Consumption Highway 9.8 L/100km 3.6 L/100km
Fuel Consumption City 15.7 L/100km 5.4 L/100km
Fuel Consumption Overall 13.1 L/100km 4.3 L/100km