1998 Citroen Xsara vs. 1962 Fiat 500
To start off, 1998 Citroen Xsara is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,909 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Citroen Xsara (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 560 kg more than 1962 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Fiat 500 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 1962 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Citroen Xsara (210 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen Xsara | 1962 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | Xsara | 500 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1909 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 36 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 3190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 1950 mm |
