1998 Citroen Xsara vs. 1980 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1998 Citroen Xsara is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Citroen Xsara (165 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 345 kg more than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Vauxhall Chevette 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 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. 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 (193 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. (92 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1998 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen Xsara | 1980 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Citroen | Vauxhall |
| Model | Xsara | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2400 mm |
