1998 Citroen Xsara vs. 1976 Volvo 260
To start off, 1998 Citroen Xsara is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Volvo 260 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Volvo 260 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1998 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Volvo 260 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 1976 Volvo 260. 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, 1976 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (210 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1976 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Citroen Xsara. 1976 Volvo 260 has automatic transmission and 1998 Citroen Xsara has manual transmission. 1998 Citroen Xsara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Volvo 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen Xsara | 1976 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Citroen | Volvo |
| Model | Xsara | 260 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1909 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2660 mm |
