1998 Citroen Xsara vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 14 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 318 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, 2012 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (153 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Citroen | Nissan |
| Model | Xsara | Altima |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1761 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2675 mm |
