1997 Citroen Xsara vs. 1974 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 1997 Citroen Xsara is newer by 23 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 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (57 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Eclat weights approximately 35 kg more than 1997 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Citroen Xsara, 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 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (110 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Citroen Xsara. 1974 Lotus Eclat has automatic transmission and 1997 Citroen Xsara has manual transmission. 1997 Citroen Xsara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Lotus Eclat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Citroen Xsara | 1974 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Xsara | Eclat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1749 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1071 kg | 1106 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 67 L |
