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Cadillac XLR-V & Dodge Viper Comparison

Cadillac XLR-V Overview

For those hoping to go really fast and be coddled while doing it, Cadillac created the XLR-V convertible. The V at the end of the car's moniker indicates that it's a performance variant of Cadillac's XLR, but it could easily stand for viciously quick and very luxurious.

Taking a cue from European ultraluxury manufacturers, Cadillac has given each V8 a personal touch, with each being built from start to finish by a single craftsman. Very luxurious is the end result of the wealth of standard features offered by the Cadillac XLR-V roadster. Adaptive cruise control, heated steering wheel, head-up display and a voice-activated navigation system are all part of the lineup.

Abundant wood and metallic accents are a good start, but aesthetics ultimately miss the mark, thanks to generic-looking switchgear and unspectacular leather. For a car that costs a hair short of $100,000, this is a profound disappointment. Cabin dimensions in this convertible are also tight, resulting in a cramped environment for taller drivers. Another shortcoming is the car's lack of cargo room.

It should also be said that while the Cadillac XLR-V offers a memorable and engaging ride, you'll find more refined and engaging driving dynamics in its European competition. Designed to facilitate wind-tousled tresses and sun-kissed cheeks, the Cadillac XLR-V is available only as a two-seat convertible with a retractable hardtop. Aside from its high-performance innards, this V is distinguished from its less spirited sibling by virtue of styling cues like a unique front grille and a sculpted hood designed to accommodate the V8's supercharger.
Only one trim is available, but -- as befits the car's nearly six-figure price tag -- it's fully loaded. Perks like Bluetooth phone connectivity, heated leather seats and adaptive cruise control (which automatically maintains a preset distance between the roadster and the car ahead of it) are all standard. The XLR-V's power-retractable hardtop can go from closed to open (and vice-versa) in about 30 seconds.

Pop this Caddy's rather menacing hood and you'll find a supercharged 4.4-liter V8 with the goods to kick out 443 horsepower and 414 pound-feet of torque. A broad torque band keeps this might readily accessible; the engine is able to deliver 90 percent of peak torque between 2,200 and 6,000 rpm. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability directs power to the rear wheels.

The XLR-V's cabin is attractive, but attractive simply isn't good enough for a car in this price range. Aluminum accents add a nice gleam to the steering wheel and instrument panel, and there are pleasing amounts of burnished exotic wood in evidence -- you'll find it on the shifter knob, steering wheel and parts of the door and center console. But compared to what's available from other cars populating this rarefied bracket, the overall look and feel of the Cadillac's interior is very disappointing. The vertically gifted will find getting comfortable in the driver seat a challenge, and tight cargo room limits versatility.

The Cadillac XLR-V is responsive and quick, eager to leap to attention at the slightest tap of the throttle. Its Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension (which automatically adjusts the suspension to reflect driving conditions) is tuned to be sportier than that of the XLR, but thanks to careful attention paid to handling dynamics, the car's ride is never abusive.

Dodge Viper  vs. Cadillac XLR-V Review

Utility

The XLR-V is likely a better choice than the Viper with respect to hauling capacity, especially if you often need to carry a lot of stuff or massive dogs. The Dodge and the Cadillac XLR-V can accommodate the same number of passengers.

Dimensions

The Cadillac XLR-V is quite a bit heavier than the Dodge Viper. The Cadillac's tank is approximately the same size as the Dodge Viper's, though the Viper's is slightly more capacious. The Dodge Viper and the Cadillac XLR-V compete for the same parking spaces. The XLR-V's longer wheelbase will likely result in a smoother, more stable ride; on the flip side, the Viper may give a nimbler feel in daily traffic.

Cost

The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs roughly the same to get the XLR-V to the dealership as the Dodge Viper. With respect to MSRP, the Dodge Viper costs markedly less than the Cadillac XLR-V.

Handling

The Dodge has considerably wider tires than the Cadillac XLR-V. Note that bigger tires can look and feel better, while narrower tires can improve gas mileage. With their comparable turning radiuses, the Cadillac XLR-V and the Dodge quite certainly handle approximately the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain

The Cadillac XLR-V's engine is tremendously smaller than the Dodge Viper's. Keep in mind that a smaller engine usually has to work a little harder; on the other hand, smaller engines are often cheaper to fix. Torque is the force that lets you accelerate quickly, and in this respect, the Viper is considerably more powerful than the Cadillac XLR-V. The Viper packs quite a wallop compared to the Cadillac regarding torque, which is the force that lets you accelerate quickly.

Comfort

Taller drivers will markedly enjoy the extra head room in the Cadillac's front cabin compared to the Dodge.

Overview

The basic after-sale protection that comes with the Viper isn't quite as generous as the Cadillac XLR-V's. As far as after-sale protection against corrosion, the Cadillac XLR-V has significantly better coverage than the Dodge.  

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