1998 Citroen Xsara vs. 1984 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 Citroen Xsara is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Citroen Xsara (165 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1984 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 133 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Lotus Esprit 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 1984 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (193 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen Xsara | 1984 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Xsara | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2490 mm |
