1998 Citroen Xantia vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Citroen Xantia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Citroen Xantia would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (616 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 527 more horse power than 1998 Citroen Xantia. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen Xantia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 665 kg more than 1998 Citroen Xantia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Citroen Xantia, 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (500 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 358 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen Xantia. (142 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Citroen Xantia. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1998 Citroen Xantia has manual transmission. 1998 Citroen Xantia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen Xantia | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Xantia | SL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1761 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 616 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2570 mm |
