2003 Citroen Xsara vs. 2008 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 5 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 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 2003 Citroen Xsara. (74 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2003 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 997 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 2008 Ford Explorer 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 2008 Ford Explorer. 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Citroen Xsara. (113 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Citroen Xsara. 2008 Ford Explorer 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. 2008 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Citroen Xsara | 2008 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | Xsara | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 4013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 2077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 3320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 85 L |
