1985 AC Cobra vs. 1998 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 1998 Citroen Xsara is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 AC Cobra (223 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 20 kg more than 1985 AC Cobra.
Because 1985 AC Cobra 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 1985 AC Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1985 AC Cobra (407 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Citroen Xsara. 1998 Citroen Xsara has automatic transmission and 1985 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1985 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Citroen Xsara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 AC Cobra | 1998 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | AC | Citroen |
| Model | Cobra | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2550 mm |
