1998 Citroen Xsara vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 13 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 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 313 more horse power than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 635 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 390 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (210 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Citroen Xsara. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen Xsara | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Xsara | CLS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1909 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2875 mm |
