1998 Citroen Xsara vs. 1983 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1998 Citroen Xsara is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ford Fairlane (131 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 574 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 1983 Ford Fairlane 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 1983 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1983 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (128 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Citroen Xsara. 1983 Ford Fairlane 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. 1983 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen Xsara | 1983 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | Xsara | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1868 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1056 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2950 mm |
