2003 Citroen Xsara vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 9 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 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 264 more horse power than 2003 Citroen Xsara. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2003 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 417 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 CLS. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 410 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Citroen Xsara. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Citroen Xsara. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Citroen Xsara | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Xsara | CLS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1318 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
