1995 Citroen Xantia vs. 1980 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1995 Citroen Xantia is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Citroen Xantia (74 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1980 Opel Ascona. (57 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Citroen Xantia should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Citroen Xantia weights approximately 333 kg more than 1980 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Opel Ascona 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 1980 Opel Ascona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Citroen Xantia, 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, 1995 Citroen Xantia (135 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Ascona. (110 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1995 Citroen Xantia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Citroen Xantia | 1980 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | Xantia | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1905 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1343 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2610 mm |
