1996 Citroen XM vs. 1999 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1999 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Citroen XM. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Citroen XM would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Citroen XM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Elise (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1996 Citroen XM. (115 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Citroen XM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Citroen XM weights approximately 572 kg more than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Because 1999 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 1999 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Citroen XM, 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, 1996 Citroen XM (174 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Citroen XM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Citroen XM | 1999 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | XM | Elise |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 13.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 40 L |
