1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1999 Citroen Xantia
To start off, 1999 Citroen Xantia is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1999 Citroen Xantia. (109 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1999 Citroen Xantia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Citroen Xantia weights approximately 60 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 Lotus Esprit 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Citroen Xantia, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Citroen Xantia. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Citroen Xantia. 1999 Citroen Xantia has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Citroen Xantia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1999 Citroen Xantia | |
| Make | Lotus | Citroen |
| Model | Esprit | Xantia |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1761 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2750 mm |
