1996 Citroen Saxo vs. 1979 Mazda Montrose
To start off, 1996 Citroen Saxo is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda Montrose. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda Montrose would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda Montrose is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda Montrose (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1996 Citroen Saxo. (55 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda Montrose should accelerate faster than 1996 Citroen Saxo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda Montrose weights approximately 180 kg more than 1996 Citroen Saxo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mazda Montrose 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 1979 Mazda Montrose. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Citroen Saxo, 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, 1979 Mazda Montrose (153 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Citroen Saxo. (95 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda Montrose will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Citroen Saxo. 1979 Mazda Montrose has automatic transmission and 1996 Citroen Saxo has manual transmission. 1996 Citroen Saxo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mazda Montrose will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Citroen Saxo | 1979 Mazda Montrose | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | Saxo | Montrose |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1527 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2520 mm |
