1978 Alfa Romeo GTV vs. 2005 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2005 Citroen Xsara is newer by 27 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Citroen Xsara (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. (129 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 69 kg more than 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. 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, 2005 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, 2005 Citroen Xsara (190 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV | 2005 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Citroen |
| Model | GTV | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 88 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 | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1179 kg | 1248 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 54 L |
