1961 Abarth 1600 vs. 2008 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2008 Citroen Xsara is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 1600 would be higher. At 1,749 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Citroen Xsara (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 1600. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 360 kg more than 1961 Abarth 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Abarth 1600 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 1961 Abarth 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Citroen Xsara (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 1600. (138 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2008 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 1600 | 2008 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Abarth | Citroen |
| Model | 1600 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 1749 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 55 L |
