1999 Citroen Xsara vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 12 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1999 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1999 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 158 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
Because 2011 Lotus Exige 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 Lotus Exige. 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, 2011 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Citroen Xsara. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Citroen Xsara | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Xsara | Exige |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2299 mm |
