1981 Ford Capri vs. 2009 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2009 Citroen Xsara is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Citroen Xsara (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 355 kg more than 1981 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Capri 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 1981 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Citroen Xsara (250 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri. 2009 Citroen Xsara has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Capri will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Citroen Xsara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Capri | 2009 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Ford | Citroen |
| Model | Capri | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2550 mm |
