1996 Fiat Punto vs. 2009 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2009 Citroen Xsara is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Fiat Punto. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Fiat Punto would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Citroen Xsara (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1996 Fiat Punto. (53 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 500 kg more than 1996 Fiat Punto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Citroen Xsara (250 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat Punto. (84 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat Punto. 2009 Citroen Xsara has automatic transmission and 1996 Fiat Punto has manual transmission. 1996 Fiat Punto will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Citroen Xsara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat Punto | 2009 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Fiat | Citroen |
| Model | Punto | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2550 mm |
