Difference Between Honda Accord and Citroen C5

Honda Accord vs. Citroen C5

The French are known as the best in the world for their fine wine and great food, but not so much for their cars. The Japanese, on the other hand, are known not just for their technology and exotic raw food, but for the reliable cars that they provide to the masses as well. Thus, it would be no surprise that the Japanese car is considered the yardstick, so to speak, for the rest of the automotive world when it comes to automotive engineering. Here we pit the Citroen C5, a known French brand of automobile, against one of Japan’s well-known brands – the Honda Accord.

The Citroen C5, available primarily in the UK, is the latest French attempt at infiltrating the hotly contested mid-sized sedan market. It has been quite a surprising hit, considering the reputation the French has when it comes to the automotive department. Now it is deemed fair to compare the Citroen C5 against the Honda Accord, and rightly so, since it is considered the gate keeper in the mid-sized sedan category.

To keep things even, we will compare the base models for each brand, starting with the Honda Accord LX. This entry level Accord has a 2.4L inline-4, which delivers 177 horsepower through the front wheels, at 6,500rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox, and it has a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon for both city and highway driving. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for this model starts at $21,765.

The rear-wheel drive, Citroen C5, on the other hand, offers a 2.0 HDi inline-4 turbo diesel engine, which puts out a modest 160hp at 4000rpm, through a 6-speed manual gearbox. Although priced at a steep $28,560, buyers will be surprised to know, that this car has a 38.2 mpg average, which makes for great savings at the pump.

Both cars offer 4-wheel ABS on ventilated disc brakes as a standard feature, but in terms of curb weight, the Accord LX comes out in a slightly trimmer 3230 lbs., supported by 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 215/60 All-Season tires. The Citroen C5 weighs in at 3353lbs., while wearing slightly wider 225/60 sized tires on 16-inch alloy rims.

One must remember though, that all these numbers are for the entry-level models only, for both car manufacturers. Things get a bit more upscale, more competitive and pricier as you go up the different trim levels. The Accord offers three different trim levels, namely, the base LX, the upgraded EX, and the top of the line EX-L, which offers premium features, such as leather upholstery and an optional navigation system.

Meanwhile, the Citroen C5 is offered as a 4-door sedan or a 5-door wagon, and has six engines available – two of which are gasoline and four are diesels. The 2.0HDi is the default engine, and a 208hp V6 diesel is the top trim. Since the Citroen is a European car, it is safe to say that the featured amenities available, are up to par with the frontrunners of the market.

Be that as it may, paying a higher tag price for the Citroen C5 to skimp on the gas pump, is quite unnerving to say the least. Would-be buyers are better-off driving out the dealer’s lot with the solid reputation of the Honda Accord.

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