1997 Citroen Xsara vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1997 Citroen Xsara is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,749 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (57 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 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 261 kg more than 1979 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 (110 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 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 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1997 Citroen Xsara has manual transmission. 1997 Citroen Xsara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Citroen Xsara | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Xsara | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1749 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1071 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2410 mm |
