1979 Ford Escort vs. 1997 Citroen XM
To start off, 1997 Citroen XM is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Citroen XM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Citroen XM (191 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Citroen XM should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Citroen XM weights approximately 716 kg more than 1979 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Citroen XM, 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 XM (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Citroen XM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort. 1997 Citroen XM has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Citroen XM will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 1997 Citroen XM | |
| Make | Ford | Citroen |
| Model | Escort | XM |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 191 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1591 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2860 mm |
