2006 Citroen Xsara vs. 2001 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Citroen Xsara is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2006 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2006 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 474 kg more than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Because 2001 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 2001 Lotus Elise. 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, 2006 Citroen Xsara (205 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Citroen Xsara | 2001 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Xsara | Elise |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 181 km/hour | 199 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 | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 31 L |
