1997 Citroen XM vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Citroen XM. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Citroen XM would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Citroen XM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1997 Citroen XM. (115 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen XM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Citroen XM weights approximately 338 kg more than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Because 2012 Lotus Exige 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 2012 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2012 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Citroen XM. (175 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Citroen XM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Citroen XM | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | XM | Exige |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| 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 | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 44 L |
