1996 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1998 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 1998 Citroen Xsara is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Citroen Xsara (165 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. (138 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 185 kg more than 1998 Citroen Xsara.
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, 1998 Citroen Xsara (193 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1998 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Citroen |
| Model | Spider | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2550 mm |
