2009 Citroen Xsara vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Citroen Xsara is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2009 Citroen Xsara. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 60 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Citroen Xsara. (190 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen Xsara | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Xsara | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| 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 | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 31 L |
