1999 Citroen Xsara vs. 1981 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1999 Citroen Xsara is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Citroen Xsara (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Carina. (83 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 205 kg more than 1981 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Carina 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 1981 Toyota Carina. 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 (199 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Carina. (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Citroen Xsara | 1981 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Citroen | Toyota |
| Model | Xsara | Carina |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2510 mm |
