1978 Alfa Romeo GTV vs. 1998 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 1998 Citroen Xsara is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV would be higher. At 1,962 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV (129 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV weights approximately 99 kg more than 1998 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV 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 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (153 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV | 1998 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Citroen |
| Model | GTV | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1761 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1179 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2550 mm |
