1959 Abarth 600 vs. 2005 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2005 Citroen Xsara is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Citroen Xsara (91 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 790 kg more than 1959 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 600 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Citroen Xsara, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2005 Citroen Xsara (214 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 600 | 2005 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Abarth | Citroen |
| Model | 600 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2830 mm |
