1998 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2009 Citroen Xsara is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Citroen Xsara (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1998 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 121 kg more than 1998 Ford Escort. 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 Citroen Xsara (250 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Escort. (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Escort. 2009 Citroen Xsara has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Citroen Xsara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Escort | 2009 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Ford | Citroen |
| Model | Escort | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1291 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
