1973 Opel Ascona vs. 2009 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2009 Citroen Xsara is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Citroen Xsara (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1973 Opel Ascona. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 381 kg more than 1973 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Opel Ascona 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 1973 Opel Ascona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Citroen Xsara (250 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Ascona. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Ascona. 2009 Citroen Xsara has automatic transmission and 1973 Opel Ascona has manual transmission. 1973 Opel Ascona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Citroen Xsara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Opel Ascona | 2009 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Opel | Citroen |
| Model | Ascona | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1291 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2550 mm |
