1999 Citroen Xsara vs. 1968 Fiat 500
To start off, 1999 Citroen Xsara is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Citroen Xsara (87 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 810 kg more than 1968 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Fiat 500 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1968 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Citroen Xsara, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1999 Citroen Xsara (190 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1999 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Citroen Xsara | 1968 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | Xsara | 500 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 67.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 22 L |
