1998 Citroen Xsara vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Citroen Xsara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Citroen Xsara would be higher. At 2,597 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (175 HP @ 1800 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 609 kg more than 1998 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (128 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Citroen Xsara. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1998 Citroen Xsara has manual transmission. 1998 Citroen Xsara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen Xsara | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Xsara | E |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1868 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1056 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2720 mm |
