Xantia vs BX handling

[diuco]

As far as I've read the xantia activa handles and corners better than a BX. (With its electronics and weissach axle, though no longer double triangle suspension geometry) However, the BX is considerably lighter... I don't know what differences there may be in weight distribution, but this makes me question the initial statement and so I'd like to know your opinion on this. Which of these two handles better on a twisty road, corners faster, and is more comfy on a straight road from your experience?

[Stickyfinger]

Never driven a BX
I have "chased" a 16v BX in a V6 Activa down some b roads, the lightness of the BX helped him from the look of it but it was not really a contest most of the time.
I would think the BX is more comfortable on a straight road but that is very subjective, the Xantia is stiffer for sure but the ride is totally different and the unique leather s1 ACTIVA seats with the extra adjustments in the side bolsters are superb when pushing.

[CitroJim]

In my experience, the BX can be very comfy... No direct experience happily but I'd think, being so light at the rear, the BX may be at risk of Lift-Off Oversteer ('LOO') if pushed really hard as per her smaller relatives, especially the Pug 205 and AX...

I know for a fact the Xantia is more resistant to LOO but when they do let go, they really let go!

[diuco]

Never driven a BX
I have "chased" a 16v BX in a V6 Activa down some b roads, the lightness of the BX helped him from the look of it but it was not really a contest most of the time.
I would think the BX is more comfortable on a straight road but that is very subjective, the Xantia is stiffer for sure but the ride is totally different and the unique leather s1 ACTIVA seats with the extra adjustments in the side bolsters are superb when pushing.

So the activa is superior in twisty-road handling, disregarding the difference in acceleration because of the larger engine?

[Stickyfinger]

So the activa is superior in twisty-road handling, disregarding the difference in acceleration because of the larger engine?

It was....on this occasion....it was not a struggle.

SC.CAR system
Stronger brakes/ABS/later braking etc
Stronger body/stiffer "chassis"

I would think it was a lot more comfortable whilst engaged in that particular bit of "spirited driving" as well........that said, the BX looked like it was having fun and the owner was grinning when we stopped.

VERY different cars ............. I am not sure if a comparison is worth a lot as the answers will always be subjective. (as are mine)

[citroenguy]

Only driven a BX19 GTI 8-valve and my current 1.9TD povvo Xantia in anger so..

The BX is probably the most fun car i've had, good power and very much a light "tip toe" feeling car. Quite a lot of body roll too.
It IS light and flimsy in a good way.

The Xantia on the other hand also has a good "interactive" chassis and nice steering. But the whole experience is much more solid, it feels like you have skipped a generation of a model.
A bit like swapping a '89 Kadett E/Astra"mk2" for a 1998 Astra G.

Comfort wise they are similar with the Xantia in non Hydroactive form.
But to get a BX really comfotable you need the GTI 8V/TZD/ Millesime seats.

[aerodynamica]

Oh I've had 2x BX and 4x Xantias and I found them quite different. I've never had the pleasure of driving a BX GTi and each of mine were Mk1 16 & 14 that have thin tyres. The 14 took nothing to understeer in the damp. I've had 3x Xantias without hydractive and one with. Controversial, but I found the hydractive car to be the best riding AND the best cornering, albeit with quirks. But all xantias have better silentblock design than the BX.
The one car I had that was better than both was a 2.0 CX. In the dry with the DIRAVI steering it was the most throwable car in twisty back roads as well as having immense softness to the ride. I think it cornered well because the 2.0 Douvrin engine is relatively light in weight. Just my experience!

[mickthemaverick]

I have owned and run 2 x BX's a 1.9 TD Estate TRS and a 16V GTi. I have only owned one Xantia which was a 2.0 Activa. If really pushing on I'd go for the BX GTi every time as the acceleration was much better and the handling good enough. If just driving round the lanes for pleasure the Activa came into its own with a, as we all know, much flatter ride and good enough acceleration. Having owned each of them for around a year I'd choose the BX as my preference as it had the edge on comfort and the kick in the back from 50 to 70 was just lovely!!

[CitroJim]

You need to try out a V6 Activa Mick

[Stickyfinger]

I would take a BX 16v over a 2ltr Activa.....for a hoon about.....but not every day.

V6, another story

[mickthemaverick]

You need to try out a V6 Activa Mick

Indeed I do Jim, but I wouldn't own one now due to the running costs.

I would take a BX 16v over a 2ltr Activa.....for a hoon about.....but not every day.

V6, another story

Well I'm glad you agree about the cars I owned Alasdair, but I have yet to drive a V6 to determine my own assessment but I am loathe to do that in case it ignites a yearning in me that I can't afford to satisfy!!

[Stickyfinger]

to determine my own assessment but I am loathe to do that in case it ignites a yearning in me that I can't afford to satisfy!!

That was my problem with Red Heads when younger..........

[CitroJim]

to determine my own assessment but I am loathe to do that in case it ignites a yearning in me that I can't afford to satisfy!!

That was my problem with Red Heads when younger..........