2006 Citroen Xsara vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit

To start off, 2006 Citroen Xsara is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2006 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 120 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.

Because 1987 Lotus Esprit 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Citroen Xsara. (205 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Citroen Xsara.

Compare all specifications:

2006 Citroen Xsara 1987 Lotus Esprit
Make Citroen Lotus
Model Xsara Esprit
Year Released 2006 1987
Body Type Hatchback Coupe
Engine Position Front Middle
Engine Size 1997 cc 2174 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 89 HP 172 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 6500 RPM
Torque 205 Nm 221 Nm
Torque RPM 1900 RPM 5000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 85 mm 95.3 mm
Engine Stroke Size 88 mm 76.2 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 18.0:1 10.9:1
Top Speed 181 km/hour 222 km/hour
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1224 kg 1104 kg
Vehicle Length 4380 mm 4340 mm
Vehicle Width 1710 mm 1870 mm
Vehicle Height 1430 mm 1140 mm
Wheelbase Size 2550 mm 2460 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 5.5 L/100km 7.6 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 54 L 67 L