1998 Citroen Xsara vs. 1991 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 Citroen Xsara is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (165 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 25 kg more than 1991 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1991 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 1991 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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (193 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1991 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 | 1991 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Xsara | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1991 |
| 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 | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2460 mm |
