2000 Citroen Xsara vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Citroen Xsara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Citroen Xsara would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 312 more horse power than 2000 Citroen Xsara. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2000 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 795 kg more than 2000 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 402 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Citroen Xsara. (128 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Citroen Xsara. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2000 Citroen Xsara has manual transmission. 2000 Citroen Xsara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Citroen Xsara | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Xsara | SL |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1868 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2560 mm |
