1986 Cadillac Eldorado XI Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Cadillac Eldorado XI from 1986-1987 has a curb weight of approximately 1526 kg (3365 lbs). This weight is fairly typical for luxury coupes of its time, which often incorporated extensive sound insulation, comfort features, and sizable V8 engines. The Eldorado XI’s weight suggests a sturdy build quality and solid feel on the road, though it may be heavier compared to some sportier coupes of the era. The weight also impacts fuel efficiency and handling, emphasizing comfort and smooth ride quality over outright sporty agility.

Yes, the 1986-1987 Cadillac Eldorado XI generally fits into a standard residential garage. Most standard garages are designed to accommodate cars around 6 meters (20 feet) or less in length and about 3 meters (10 feet) wide, so with its length of 4780 mm (15.7 feet) and width of 1822 mm (6 feet), the Eldorado XI comfortably fits within these limits. However, some garages with very limited space or narrow openings might require careful maneuvering due to the car's 1.82-meter (5.97 feet) width, but for typical garages, parking should not pose an issue.

The Cadillac Eldorado XI comes equipped with tires sized 205/70 R14 and 215/60 R15, mounted on rims measuring 5.5J x 14 and 6J x 15 inches respectively. These tire and rim sizes contribute to a smooth and comfortable ride, as the taller sidewalls on the 14-inch tires (205/70) absorb road imperfections well. The larger 15-inch rims with slightly lower profile tires (215/60) offer somewhat enhanced handling stability and a firmer road feel while maintaining comfort. This balance suits the Eldorado’s luxury coupe status, emphasizing ride quality over aggressive sport handling.

The Eldorado XI's height of 1365 mm (53.7 inches) is relatively low for a coupe, which aids in reducing aerodynamic drag and improving fuel efficiency at high speeds. This low profile contributes to the sleek styling that the Eldorado was known for during its production period. Despite the low height, Cadillac designed the interior to maximize headroom and comfort, particularly for front-seat occupants, with thoughtfully contoured seats and lowered roof channels. Rear passengers might find headroom modest, typical for coupes prioritizing sportier looks but overall it balances style with reasonable interior space.

With a width of 1822 mm (71.7 inches), the 1986-1987 Eldorado XI offers generous cabin space, especially for front passengers. This width allows for a comfortable seating position and accommodates wider seats that enhance comfort during long drives. The substantial width also contributes to the Eldorado's impressive road presence, giving it a bold and substantial appearance typical of American luxury cars of the era. However, the wider body may require more attention when navigating tight urban environments or narrow parking spaces.

The Eldorado XI, produced from 1986 to 1987, featured a downsizing compared to its predecessor, reflecting industry trends towards more compact and fuel-efficient designs during the mid-1980s. While the prior generation Eldorado (1980-1985) was longer and wider, the Eldorado XI scaled down to a length of 4780 mm (188.2 inches) and width of 1822 mm (71.7 inches). This reduction made the car lighter and easier to handle without sacrificing luxury and interior comfort. The design shift also improved aerodynamics and fuel economy, addressing market demands while retaining Cadillac’s signature style and performance.

When compared to similar luxury coupes from the mid-1980s such as the Lincoln Mark VII, Mercedes-Benz SEC, and BMW 6 Series (E24), the Cadillac Eldorado XI is competitively sized. Its length of 4780 mm (188.2 inches) and width of 1822 mm (71.7 inches) place it slightly larger than sporty European coupes but generally on par or a bit smaller than the Lincoln Mark VII, which was known for its full-size luxury dimensions. The Eldorado’s curb weight of 1526 kg (3365 lbs) reflects a balance between American luxury build and the lighter European alternatives, delivering a smooth ride and spacious interior while maintaining Cadillac’s traditional road presence.

The 1986-1987 Cadillac Eldorado XI came with rim sizes of 5.5J x 14 inches and 6J x 15 inches, paired respectively with tire sizes 205/70 R14 and 215/60 R15. The smaller 14-inch rims with higher profile tires prioritize ride comfort and absorption of road imperfections, contributing to a cushioned luxury ride favored by Eldorado drivers. The optional 15-inch rims with slightly lower profile tires provide a sportier aesthetic and a firmer driving experience by reducing sidewall flex. This combination allowed buyers to tailor the Eldorado XI’s appearance and driving dynamics based on preference, balancing luxury with understated sportiness.

While the Cadillac Eldorado XI is a midsize to full-size coupe with substantial length (4780 mm/188.2 inches) and width (1822 mm/71.7 inches), it remains manageable for urban driving and parking. Its size is more compact compared to earlier Eldorado models, enhancing maneuverability in city traffic. However, drivers should be mindful of its width when parking in narrow spots or busy urban environments. The relatively low height helps with visibility and aerodynamic efficiency but does not impact urban usability. Overall, the Eldorado XI balances classic luxury coupe presence with enough compactness for everyday city use.