1968 Ford Escort vs. 1997 Citroen Xantia
To start off, 1997 Citroen Xantia is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Citroen Xantia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Citroen Xantia (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (64 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Citroen Xantia should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Citroen Xantia weights approximately 581 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Ford Escort 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 1968 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Citroen Xantia, 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 Xantia (267 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (101 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Citroen Xantia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort. 1997 Citroen Xantia has automatic transmission and 1968 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1968 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Citroen Xantia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1997 Citroen Xantia | |
| Make | Ford | Citroen |
| Model | Escort | Xantia |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 871 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2750 mm |
