1997 Citroen Xsara vs. 1978 Fiat Mirafiori
To start off, 1997 Citroen Xsara is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat Mirafiori. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat Mirafiori would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat Mirafiori is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat Mirafiori (115 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (57 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat Mirafiori should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 1 kg more than 1978 Fiat Mirafiori.
Because 1978 Fiat Mirafiori 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 1978 Fiat Mirafiori. 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, 1978 Fiat Mirafiori (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (110 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat Mirafiori will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Citroen Xsara | 1978 Fiat Mirafiori | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | Xsara | Mirafiori |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1749 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1071 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 49 L |
