1998 Citroen Xsara vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 11 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 548 more horse power than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 769 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 652 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (128 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Citroen Xsara. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen Xsara | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Xsara | SLR McLaren |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1868 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 780 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1056 kg | 1825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2710 mm |
