Normal bulbs are halogen
Xenon is the gas that is used in HID bulbs.
Have a read here (need to register but it's free), it has a very detailed explaination of HID's.
Majority of older cars will have halogen headlights. If you want's HID's you'll have to get a kit. A point to keep in mind is that most kits will only provide you with the bulb, wiring harness and ballast and NOT the projector.
IMO HID's work best with proper projectors. HID's (at the correct ratings) will no doubt provide much more visible when used with normal headlights (reflectors) instead of projectors, the only problem is you'll pretty much be blinding everyone else on the road. If a car that has projector HID's (S2000, Euro Lux, JDM DC2R) is parked near a wall and the light is sone directly on it, you'll notice that the light doesn't fade off. It somewhat just cuts off (hence the term cut-off), you'll also notice that it's not alligned. One side is slightly lower than the other, this is to prevent the lights glaring into other drivers.
HID Cut-off
That picture is off a US car, which is why the left side is lower than the right. It's the other way around here in Aus.
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