Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2005 Cadillac XLR VS 2005 Jaguar XK Near Scottsdale, AZ

The Cadillac XLR has Daytime Running Lights to help keep it more visible under all conditions. Daytime Running Lights decrease the chances of collisions. Canadian government studies show that driving with lights during the day reduces accidents by 11% by making vehicles more conspicuous. The XK doesn’t offer Daytime Running Lights.

The XLR has standard OnStar®, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to get driving directions, remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The XK doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies.

Both the XLR and the XK have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

There are over 10 times as many Cadillac dealers as there are Jaguar dealers, which makes it much easier to get service under the XLR’s warranty.

The XLR’s 4.6 DOHC V8 produces 26 more horsepower (320 vs. 294) and 7 lbs.-ft. more torque (310 vs. 303) than the XK’s standard 4.2 DOHC V8.

As tested in Road & Track the Cadillac XLR is faster than the Jaguar XK8:

The XLR gets better fuel mileage than the XK with its available 4.2 supercharged V8 (17 city/25 hwy vs. 16 city/23 hwy).

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Cadillac XLR uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The XK requires premium, which can cost 25 to 50 cents more per gallon.

The XLR stops much shorter than the XK:

The XLR has a standard tire pressure monitoring system, which will alert the driver to a drop in tire pressure before damage to the tire or an accident might occur. The XK doesn’t offer a low tire pressure warning system.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the XLR can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The XK doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the XLR’s wheelbase is 3.8 inches longer than on the XK (105.7 vs. 101.9 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the XLR is 3 inches wider in the front and 3.2 inches wider in the rear than on the XK.

The XLR handles at .88 G’s, while the XK Convertible pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Road & Track skidpad test.

The XLR goes through Road & Track’s slalom 6 MPH faster than the XK Convertible (64.9 vs. 58.9 MPH).

The XLR is 10.3 inches shorter than the XK, making the XLR easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the Cadillac XLR amounts to more than styling. The XLR has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .31 Cd. That is significantly lower than the XK (.345 to .36) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the XLR get better fuel mileage.

The XLR’s standard power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The XK doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the XLR is quieter than the XK8 Convertible:

The XLR’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge – which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The XK does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The XLR has a standard heads-up display which projects speed and turn signal readouts onto the windshield, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The XK doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The XLR’s front power windows raise and lower automatically with one touch, especially convenient at tollbooths or drive-up windows. The power windows on the XK don’t raise automatically.

When the XLR is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The XK’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The XLR has standard automatic dimming rear and side view mirrors which automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The XK has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The XLR’s standard air conditioned front seats cool the driver and front passenger and help take the sting out of hot leather in Summer. The XK doesn’t offer an air conditioned front seats.

The XLR’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The XK doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

A built-in pollen filter removes pollen, exhaust fumes and other pollutants from the XLR’s passenger compartment. This helps prevent lung and/or sinus irritation, which can trigger allergies or asthma. The XK doesn’t offer a filtration system.

The XLR’s standard turn signal stalk mounted cruise control on/off switch is conveniently located with the rest of the cruise controls. The XK’s standard cruise control must be turned on with a hard to find switch on the dashboard.

With standard voice command, the XLR offers the driver hands free control of cell phone and the navigation computer by simply speaking. The XK doesn’t offer a voice control system.

Insurance will cost less for the XLR owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the XLR will cost $177 to $439 less than the XK over a five year period.

The XLR will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. Kiplinger’s estimates that the XLR will retain a greater percentage of its original price after two and four years than the XK.