1996 Citroen Xantia vs. 1978 Ford Escort
To start off, 1996 Citroen Xantia is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,580 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Citroen Xantia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Citroen Xantia (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Citroen Xantia should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Citroen Xantia weights approximately 266 kg more than 1978 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Escort 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 1978 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Citroen Xantia (130 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Citroen Xantia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Citroen Xantia | 1978 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | Xantia | Escort |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1580 cc | 938 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 53 L |
