2008 Citroen Xsara vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Citroen Xsara is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2008 Citroen Xsara. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 72 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Citroen Xsara. (250 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Citroen Xsara | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Xsara | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.5 seconds | 6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1291 kg | 1219 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2440 mm |
