1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1999 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 1999 Citroen Xsara is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 850 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Citroen Xsara (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 590 kg more than 1959 Abarth 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 850 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 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Citroen Xsara (199 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1999 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1999 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Abarth | Citroen |
| Model | 850 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2550 mm |
