2001 Citroen Xsara vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Citroen Xsara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Citroen Xsara would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (174 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2001 Citroen Xsara. (106 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2001 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 472 kg more than 2001 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz E 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 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, both vehicles can yield 240 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Citroen Xsara | 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Xsara | E |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1248 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
