1997 Citroen Xsara vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 15 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 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 656 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Citroen Xsara. 1997 Citroen Xsara has automatic transmission and 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Citroen Xsara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Citroen Xsara | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Citroen | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Xsara | 159 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1761 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 226 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.4 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1099 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
