1997 Citroen Xsara vs. 2004 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2004 Lotus Elise is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Citroen Xsara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Citroen Xsara would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (57 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 440 kg more than 2004 Lotus Elise.
Because 2004 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 2004 Lotus Elise. 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, 2004 Lotus Elise (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (117 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2004 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Citroen Xsara | 2004 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Xsara | Elise |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 31 L |
