2004 Citroen Xsara vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2004 Citroen Xsara is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (118 HP) has 24 more horse power than 2004 Citroen Xsara. (94 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2004 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 280 kg more than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Because 1979 Lancia Beta 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 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 Lancia Beta (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Citroen Xsara. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Citroen Xsara | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Citroen | Lancia |
| Model | Xsara | Beta |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 118 HP |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.5 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
