1997 Citroen Xsara vs. 1989 Ferrari 208
To start off, 1997 Citroen Xsara is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Ferrari 208 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ferrari 208 (254 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (57 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ferrari 208 weights approximately 159 kg more than 1997 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Ferrari 208 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 1989 Ferrari 208. 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, 1989 Ferrari 208 (328 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (110 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1989 Ferrari 208 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Citroen Xsara | 1989 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | Citroen | Ferrari |
| Model | Xsara | 208 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1749 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 328 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1071 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 120 L |
