1997 Citroen Xsara vs. 1971 Opel Manta
To start off, 1997 Citroen Xsara is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Opel Manta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Manta would be higher. At 1,749 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Opel Manta (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (57 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Opel Manta should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 141 kg more than 1971 Opel Manta.
Because 1971 Opel Manta 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 1971 Opel Manta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Citroen Xsara, 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 Xsara (110 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Manta. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Manta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Citroen Xsara | 1971 Opel Manta | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | Xsara | Manta |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1749 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 61 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1071 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2440 mm |
