1996 Citroen Xantia vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 Citroen Xantia is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1996 Citroen Xantia. (109 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Citroen Xantia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Citroen Xantia weights approximately 185 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Citroen Xantia. (156 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Citroen Xantia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Citroen Xantia | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Xantia | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1762 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2450 mm |
