2003 Citroen Xsara vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Citroen Xsara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Citroen Xsara would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2003 Citroen Xsara. (74 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 5 kg more than 2003 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Citroen Xsara. (113 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Citroen Xsara | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | Xsara | 3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
