1997 Citroen Xsara vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, both 1997 Citroen Xsara and 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL were released in the same year (1997). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 661 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Citroen Xsara | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Xsara | SL |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1761 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1099 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
