1997 Citroen XM vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1997 Citroen XM is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Citroen XM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Citroen XM (191 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Citroen XM should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Citroen XM weights approximately 736 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Citroen XM, 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, 1997 Citroen XM (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1997 Citroen XM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Citroen XM | 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Citroen | Vauxhall |
| Model | XM | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2946 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 61 mm |
| 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 | 1591 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 45 L |
