1978 Opel Manta vs. 2008 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2008 Citroen Xsara is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Manta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Manta would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Citroen Xsara (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1978 Opel Manta. (100 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Manta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 241 kg more than 1978 Opel Manta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Opel Manta 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 Opel Manta. 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 (250 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Manta. (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Manta. 2008 Citroen Xsara has automatic transmission and 1978 Opel Manta has manual transmission. 1978 Opel Manta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Citroen Xsara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Manta | 2008 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Opel | Citroen |
| Model | Manta | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1979 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1291 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 54 L |
