1960 Abarth 700 vs. 1997 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 1997 Citroen Xsara is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Abarth 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Abarth 700 would be higher. At 1,761 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Abarth 700 (63 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1960 Abarth 700 should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 529 kg more than 1960 Abarth 700.
Because 1960 Abarth 700 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 1960 Abarth 700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Citroen Xsara (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 700. (70 Nm @ 5800 RPM). This means 1997 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 700. 1997 Citroen Xsara has automatic transmission and 1960 Abarth 700 has manual transmission. 1960 Abarth 700 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Citroen Xsara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 700 | 1997 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Abarth | Citroen |
| Model | 700 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 1761 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1099 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 54 L |
