2008 Citroen Xsara vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Citroen Xsara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Citroen Xsara would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2008 Citroen Xsara. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2008 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 408 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Because 2011 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 2011 Lotus Elise. 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Citroen Xsara. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Citroen Xsara | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Xsara | Elise |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1749 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 44 L |
