2003 Citroen Xsara vs. 2006 Lexus IS

To start off, 2006 Lexus IS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Citroen Xsara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Citroen Xsara would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lexus IS (210 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 2003 Citroen Xsara. (67 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2003 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lexus IS weights approximately 395 kg more than 2003 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2006 Lexus IS 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 2006 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2006 Lexus IS (288 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Citroen Xsara. (160 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Citroen Xsara. 2006 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2003 Citroen Xsara has manual transmission. 2003 Citroen Xsara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2003 Citroen Xsara 2006 Lexus IS
Make Citroen Lexus
Model Xsara IS
Year Released 2003 2006
Body Type Hatchback Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1360 cc 2997 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 67 HP 210 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 5800 RPM
Torque 160 Nm 288 Nm
Torque RPM 2000 RPM 3800 RPM
Engine Bore Size 73.7 mm 86.1 mm
Engine Stroke Size 82 mm 86 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 18.0:1 10.5:1
Fuel Type Diesel Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 3 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1220 kg 1615 kg
Vehicle Length 4190 mm 4500 mm
Vehicle Width 1710 mm 1730 mm
Vehicle Height 1410 mm 1440 mm
Wheelbase Size 2550 mm 2680 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 54 L 70 L