1998 Citroen Xsara vs. 1983 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1998 Citroen Xsara is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lancia Beta (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lancia Beta weights approximately 4 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 Lancia Beta 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 Lancia Beta. 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 Lancia Beta (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen Xsara | 1983 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Citroen | Lancia |
| Model | Xsara | Beta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1044 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2310 mm |
