2000 Citroen Xsara vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2000 Citroen Xsara is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2000 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2000 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 455 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 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 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Citroen Xsara (190 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Citroen Xsara | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Xsara | Elise |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 40 L |
