1997 Citroen Xsara vs. 2005 Seat Altea
To start off, 2005 Seat Altea is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Citroen Xsara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Citroen Xsara would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Seat Altea (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (57 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Seat Altea should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Seat Altea weights approximately 240 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.
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, 2005 Seat Altea (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (117 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Citroen Xsara. 2005 Seat Altea 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. 2005 Seat Altea will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Citroen Xsara | 2005 Seat Altea | |
| Make | Citroen | Seat |
| Model | Xsara | Altea |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.7 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
