1998 Citroen Xsara vs. 1996 Fiat 131
To start off, 1998 Citroen Xsara is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Fiat 131 (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 55 kg more than 1996 Fiat 131.
Because 1996 Fiat 131 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 Fiat 131. 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 Fiat 131 (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (153 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen Xsara | 1996 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | Xsara | 131 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1761 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2430 mm |
