1998 Citroen Xsara vs. 1975 Ford Escort
To start off, 1998 Citroen Xsara is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,868 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Citroen Xsara (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 136 kg more than 1975 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 Ford Escort 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 1975 Ford Escort. 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 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (85 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen Xsara | 1975 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | Xsara | Escort |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1868 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1056 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2410 mm |
