2008 Citroen Xsara vs. 1986 Lotus Excel
To start off, 2008 Citroen Xsara is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Excel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lotus Excel would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Excel (180 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2008 Citroen Xsara. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2008 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 163 kg more than 1986 Lotus Excel.
Because 1986 Lotus Excel 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 1986 Lotus Excel. 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, 2008 Citroen Xsara (250 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Excel. 1986 Lotus Excel has automatic transmission and 2008 Citroen Xsara has manual transmission. 2008 Citroen Xsara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Lotus Excel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Citroen Xsara | 1986 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Xsara | Excel |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 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 | 194 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1177 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 31 L |
