2005 Citroen Xsara vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2005 Citroen Xsara is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Citroen Xsara (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 476 kg more than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Volkswagen Beetle 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 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Citroen Xsara (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Citroen Xsara | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Xsara | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1216 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 42 L |
