1998 Citroen Xsara vs. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 6 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 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (222 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1080 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 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Citroen Xsara. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (450 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (153 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Citroen Xsara. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton 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. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen Xsara | 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Xsara | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1761 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 2160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2890 mm |
