2000 Citroen Xsara vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2000 Citroen Xsara is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 626 (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2000 Citroen Xsara. (72 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 2000 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 90 kg more than 2000 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mazda 626 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 1978 Mazda 626. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 1978 Mazda 626 (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Citroen Xsara. (110 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Citroen Xsara. 1978 Mazda 626 has automatic transmission and 2000 Citroen Xsara has manual transmission. 2000 Citroen Xsara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Mazda 626 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Citroen Xsara | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | Xsara | 626 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2520 mm |
