1996 Citroen Xantia vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Citroen Xantia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Citroen Xantia would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (134 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1996 Citroen Xantia. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Citroen Xantia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Citroen Xantia weights approximately 420 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Because 2002 Lotus Elise 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 2002 Lotus Elise. 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, 2002 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Citroen Xantia. (130 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Citroen Xantia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Citroen Xantia | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Xantia | Elise |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1580 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 38 L |
