1999 Citroen Xsara vs. 2003 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 Lotus Elise is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Citroen Xsara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Citroen Xsara would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Elise (121 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1999 Citroen Xsara. (75 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1999 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 270 kg more than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Because 2003 Lotus Elise 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 2003 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 2003 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Citroen Xsara. (113 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Citroen Xsara | 2003 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Xsara | Elise |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2310 mm |
