1997 Citroen Xsara vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1997 Citroen Xsara is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (57 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 380 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (117 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Citroen Xsara | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Xsara | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2410 mm |
