Performance Review: Citroen Xsara 2.0 16V VTS - [1998]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Citroen Xsara Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Citroen Xsara 2.0 16V VTS is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1998. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the and the .This particular Citroen Xsara has a 1997cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders in a St formation.

Alternative Petrol St4's includes the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo

The Xsara shares its Petrol St4 engine configuration with the likes of the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo and the 2013 Caterham 7 620 R 2.0 L Supercharged. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Xsara's Front Wheel Drive, Coupe combination then how about the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Golf R Performance 2.0 Turbo or the 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD 3.5 V6.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1190 kgs (2623 lbs) this makes the Citroen Xsara 2.0 16V VTS in the same weight category as the 2018 McLaren Senna 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Citroen Xsara shares the same bhp with the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (148 bhp)

In terms of power the 1997cc 16V St4 engine produces 167 bhp (124 kW) @ 7000 rpm similar to the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (148 bhp) or the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (177 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated St4 throws out 142 lb-ft (192.5 Nm) @ 4750 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (162 lb-ft) or the 2016 Ford Fiesta ST 200 1.6 Turbo (159 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Citroen Xsara you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2002 BMW 5 Series 540i M-Sport E39 (165.3 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Citroen Xsara.

The Citroen Xsara has a Power to weight ratio of 140.3 bhp per ton and 119.3 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1998 Xsara competing with the 2002 BMW 5 Series 540i M-Sport E39 (165.3 bhp per ton) or the 1972 Jaguar E Type 5.3 V12 (165.3 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Citroen Xsara generating around 119.3 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1992 Rover 200 220 Coupe Turbo (144.3 lb-ft per ton) or the 2011 Skoda Octavia RS 2.0 Turbo (144.2 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.70 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.0 secs, this made the Citroen Xsara 2.0 16V VTS as fast as the 2010 Citroen DS4 200 1.6 Turbo (7.70 secs) the 2006 Volkswagen-VW Polo 1.8T GTi (7.70 secs) the 2005 Audi Q7 4.2 V8 (7.70 secs) the or the 2005 Mitsubishi Colt CZT 1.5 Turbo (7.70 secs). This Citroen Xsara 2.0 16V VTS is also faster than the 2017 Ford Focus 2.0 ST-3 TDCi 185PS (7.80 secs) the 2015 Ford Focus 2.0 ST-2 TDCi 185PS (7.80 secs) the 2007 Lexus IS 250 AWD (7.80 secs) the and the 2001 MG ZT 2.5 V6 190 (7.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Xsara and the 1996 Honda Integra 1.8 Type R DC2

When talking about the performance of the Citroen Xsara on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.49 secs @ 88.3 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1996 Honda Integra 1.8 Type R DC2 (15.42 secs), the 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera (15.42 secs), and the 1991 Mercedes 600 SEL V140 (15.42 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1998 version of the Citroen Xsara 2.0 16V VTS has a maximum speed of 137mph.

Top Speed of the 1998 Xsara equals the 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo Auto (148 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1998 Citroen Xsara 2.0 16V VTS then how about the 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo Auto (148 mph), the 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Woks 2.0 Turbo (148 mph), or the 2012 Jaguar XJ V6 (148 mph).

Related Links:

1998 Xsara Rivals List.

A Brief History of Citroen

Car Comparison