2009 Citroen Xsara vs. 2004 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Citroen Xsara is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2009 Citroen Xsara. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2009 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 570 kg more than 2004 Lotus Elise.
Because 2004 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 2004 Lotus Elise. 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, 2004 Lotus Elise (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Citroen Xsara. (161 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen Xsara | 2004 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Xsara | Elise |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1749 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 89.3 mm |
| 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 | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 31 L |
