1997 Citroen AX vs. 1984 Rover Vitesse
To start off, 1997 Citroen AX is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Rover Vitesse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Rover Vitesse would be higher. At 3,531 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Rover Vitesse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Rover Vitesse (187 HP @ 5280 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1997 Citroen AX. (48 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Rover Vitesse should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen AX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Rover Vitesse weights approximately 772 kg more than 1997 Citroen AX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Rover Vitesse 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 1984 Rover Vitesse. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Citroen AX, 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, 1984 Rover Vitesse (298 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Citroen AX. (74 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1984 Rover Vitesse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Citroen AX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Citroen AX | 1984 Rover Vitesse | |
| Make | Citroen | Rover |
| Model | AX | Vitesse |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 954 cc | 3531 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5280 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.1 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 62 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 668 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3510 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2820 mm |
