1998 Citroen Xsara vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 10 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 439 more horse power than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (165 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 750 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 2008 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 808 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (193 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Citroen Xsara. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen Xsara | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Xsara | SL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2570 mm |
