1998 Citroen Xsara vs. 1978 Renault 18
To start off, 1998 Citroen Xsara is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 18. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 18 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Renault 18 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 33 kg more than 1978 Renault 18.
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, 1978 Renault 18 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Citroen Xsara. 1998 Citroen Xsara has automatic transmission and 1978 Renault 18 has manual transmission. 1978 Renault 18 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Citroen Xsara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen Xsara | 1978 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Citroen | Renault |
| Model | Xsara | 18 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2470 mm |
