1998 Citroen Xsara vs. 2009 Fiat 500
To start off, 2009 Fiat 500 is newer by 11 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 1,761 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Fiat 500 (101 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 75 kg more than 2009 Fiat 500.
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, 1998 Citroen Xsara (153 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Fiat 500. (132 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Fiat 500. 2009 Fiat 500 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. 2009 Fiat 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen Xsara | 2009 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | Xsara | 500 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1761 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2310 mm |
