1986 Lotus Excel vs. 2005 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2005 Citroen Xsara is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Excel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lotus Excel would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Excel (180 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2005 Citroen Xsara. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2005 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 114 kg more than 1986 Lotus Excel.
Because 1986 Lotus Excel 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 1986 Lotus Excel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Citroen Xsara, 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, 2005 Citroen Xsara (241 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lotus Excel | 2005 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Lotus | Citroen |
| Model | Excel | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1177 kg | 1291 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 54 L |
