1996 Citroen Xantia vs. 1974 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 1996 Citroen Xantia is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 1,971 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1996 Citroen Xantia. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1996 Citroen Xantia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Citroen Xantia weights approximately 121 kg more than 1974 Lotus Eclat.
Because 1974 Lotus Eclat 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 1974 Lotus Eclat. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1974 Lotus Eclat (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Citroen Xantia. (130 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Citroen Xantia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Citroen Xantia | 1974 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Xantia | Eclat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1580 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 67 L |
