1998 Citroen Xsara vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima 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 2,491 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 454 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, 2009 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (210 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen Xsara | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Citroen | Nissan |
| Model | Xsara | Altima |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1909 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2680 mm |
