1998 Citroen Xsara vs. 2003 Seat Altea
To start off, 2003 Seat Altea is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Citroen Xsara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Citroen Xsara would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Seat Altea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Seat Altea (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Seat Altea should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Seat Altea weights approximately 244 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Seat Altea (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (201 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2003 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen Xsara | 2003 Seat Altea | |
| Make | Citroen | Seat |
| Model | Xsara | Altea |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1904 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2470 mm |
