1997 Citroen Xsara vs. 1971 Opel Rekord
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 Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,761 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Opel Rekord (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 73 kg more than 1971 Opel Rekord.
Because 1971 Opel Rekord 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 Rekord. 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 @ 3000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Rekord. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Citroen Xsara | 1971 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | Xsara | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1761 cc | 1492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1099 kg | 1026 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2670 mm |
