1998 Citroen Xsara vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,761 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Citroen Xsara (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (84 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 336 kg more than 1998 Citroen Xsara.
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 Volkswagen Golf (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (153 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen Xsara | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Xsara | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1761 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1416 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2578 mm |
