1998 Citroen Xsara vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200
To start off, 1998 Citroen Xsara is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Citroen Xsara (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. (53 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 weights approximately 309 kg more than 1998 Citroen Xsara.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. 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 (128 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen Xsara | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Xsara | 200 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1868 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1056 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2760 mm |
