Xantia is lot a better than C5

[MikeT]

I must admit, I was disappointed how boaty my C5 is, that was until I had to suddenly swerve an unlit fallen branch one evening. With the ESP in control, it was so stable! The Xantia on the other hand may well have required some counter-steering.

[Peter.N.]

I have a C5 and a 406 and I must admit although the C5 has more room and a better ride I prefer driving the 406, its handling is sharper, visibility better and the lights are super. I drove an XM the other day after not having had one for a few years and it knocks spots off the C5 for ride and handling.

To be fair though my first C5 was a 2.2 and that handled much better as it was hydractive but I couldn't tolerate the fuel consumption.

Peter

[bxzx16v]

Another vote for the xantia here , i ran 3 as taxis and was very happy with them . I also had 2 C5's both mk1's a 2.0 hdi and a 2.2hdi both nice but just lacked a certain something that the xantia had . The 2.2 was heavy on fuel and a bit of a lazy lump . The car that pips them both would be a laguna 2 with the 2.0dci , not everyones cup of tea but ours ran without fault even being my wifes favourite over her old 2.1td xantia .

Mark

[CitroJim]

Guy, I too prefer the look of the S1 Xantia..

In my opinion they're better built too...

[Stickyfinger]

Guy, I too prefer the look of the S1 Xantia..

In my opinion they're better built too...

I wonder if this weekend will change your mind Jim ?.................we shall see, I have even washed it for you

[CitroJim]

Guy, I too prefer the look of the S1 Xantia..

In my opinion they're better built too...

I wonder if this weekend will change your mind Jim ?.................we shall see, I have even washed it for you

Oh yes Looking forward to that Alasdair

[Hell Razor5543]

Well, I have had 2 Xantias, and I now have a C5. I cannot (yet) say if I like the difference, as the C5 still needs things sorting, and I have only had her 2 months. However, there is a lot more space in there (OK, she is an estate, but the cabin area is still more roomy).

[Peter.N.]

he XM was even roomier.

[lexi]

How did they achieve boat handling on old C5's? Trials at sea? The wind tunnels might have got flooded. Why did they not offer ship to shore as an extra?
I tow a boat with mine and when filling up at station, I have nearly put the diesel nozzle in the wrong boat!

[CitroJim]

Odd that as Xantias never handled like boats at all, even non-hydractive ones...

In fact, on good spheres they handled beautifully...

[daviemck2006]

I never found any of my c5's like a boat. Handled well enough when required. Espically the last one with 225/40×18 alloys and tyres[emoji4]

[Stickyfinger]

Like wise, like any long soft sprung car, the driving style makes the difference, plus it really cannot be compared to a Xantia can it.....chalk and cheese. The XM would be the natural comparison Shirley.

Not once driven one however so cannot comment.
God knows what Jim will think of the X7 then, he will think all the spheres are blown

[lexi]

If you think of early C5 poverty spec cars like mine. That is a big car to run on 195/65/15 tyres. The Vel Satis was on rails by comparison.
However, it sat on 285/45/18 rubber!

[Zelandeth]

Only drove a couple of C5s, but always preferred the Xantia. C5 I always felt very distant to the actual act of driving it. Probably would be lovely wafting along the M1, but for day to day I'll take the Xantia which will waft when I want it to but doesn't get all befuddled when I take it by the scruff of the neck and fling it around some twisty roads. Nope, instead it laps it up and changes direction with far more accuracy and poise than any car that size and weight, never mind that softly sprung, or with 200K miles on the clock has any right to. That's just a run of the mill TD too...an Activa on the twisties must be something else.

Have to admit that my ideal Xantia is an S1 front end, but S2 interior and rear. I prefer the S2 switchgear, steering wheel controls and the white tail lights. Far prefer the sharp nose of the S1 cars though, much more in keeping with the XM heritage.

[Deanxm]

The Activa was very precise, was great fun that car, if you have not tried one please do, it doesn't out and out handle but itchanges direction like nothing comparable does, its a very unique drive. Not odd unique either, its very good.

The mk1 C5 non Hydractive was a bit of a boat and disconnected to drive in myl opinion too, far too wallowy but i also believe although the C5 isn't for me it is the better car overall despite having its annoyances.
It rides great with loads of room, excellent refined engines with lots of room around them, plenty of toys and a well laid out spacious cabin, I was impressed. If I was a rep it would have been my car of choice if you know what I mean but I'm not sure I could stand looking at it from the outside every day.

D