2005 Citroen Xsara vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Citroen Xsara is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2005 Citroen Xsara. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 442 kg more than 2005 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Citroen Xsara. (190 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Citroen Xsara | 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Xsara | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1248 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
