1980 Seat Ritmo vs. 1999 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 1999 Citroen Xsara is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Seat Ritmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Seat Ritmo would be higher. At 1,714 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Seat Ritmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Citroen Xsara (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1980 Seat Ritmo. (53 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1980 Seat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 140 kg more than 1980 Seat Ritmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1999 Citroen Xsara (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Seat Ritmo. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Seat Ritmo. 1999 Citroen Xsara has automatic transmission and 1980 Seat Ritmo has manual transmission. 1980 Seat Ritmo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Citroen Xsara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Seat Ritmo | 1999 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Seat | Citroen |
| Model | Ritmo | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1714 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2550 mm |
