2003 Citroen Xsara vs. 1961 Fiat 500
To start off, 2003 Citroen Xsara is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Citroen Xsara (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 778 kg more than 1961 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 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 1961 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Citroen Xsara (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Citroen Xsara | 1961 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | Xsara | 500 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 36 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1318 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 1950 mm |
