2008 Citroen Xsara vs. 2001 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2008 Citroen Xsara is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2008 Citroen Xsara. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2008 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 468 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Because 2001 Lotus Exige 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 Exige. 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 (190 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Citroen Xsara | 2001 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Xsara | Exige |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1248 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 36 L |
