2000 Citroen Xsara vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 2000 Citroen Xsara is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda 121 (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2000 Citroen Xsara. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 2000 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 24 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 1979 Mazda 121 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 1979 Mazda 121. 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, 1979 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Citroen Xsara. (128 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Citroen Xsara | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | Xsara | 121 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1868 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2520 mm |
