1998 Citroen Xsara vs. 1996 Ferrari 550
To start off, 1998 Citroen Xsara is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ferrari 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ferrari 550 would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari 550 (485 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 396 more horse power than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari 550 weights approximately 650 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 1996 Ferrari 550 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 1996 Ferrari 550. 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, 1996 Ferrari 550 (568 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 431 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen Xsara | 1996 Ferrari 550 | |
| Make | Citroen | Ferrari |
| Model | Xsara | 550 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 5474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 485 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 568 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2460 mm |
