2003 Citroen Xsara vs. 1972 Fiat 124
To start off, 2003 Citroen Xsara is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Fiat 124 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Fiat 124 (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2003 Citroen Xsara. (74 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 2003 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 114 kg more than 1972 Fiat 124.
Because 1972 Fiat 124 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 1972 Fiat 124. 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, 1972 Fiat 124 (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Citroen Xsara. (113 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1972 Fiat 124 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Citroen Xsara | 1972 Fiat 124 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | Xsara | 124 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 1747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
