2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1999 Citroen Xantia
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Citroen Xantia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Citroen Xantia would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Citroen Xantia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1999 Citroen Xantia. (133 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1999 Citroen Xantia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Citroen Xantia weights approximately 424 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Because 2005 Lotus Elise 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 2005 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Citroen Xantia, 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 187 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. 1999 Citroen Xantia has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Citroen Xantia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1999 Citroen Xantia | |
| Make | Lotus | Citroen |
| Model | Elise | Xantia |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2750 mm |
