2005 Citroen Xsara vs. 1979 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2005 Citroen Xsara is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Cortina 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 49 more horse power than 1979 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 216 kg more than 1979 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Cortina 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 Ford Cortina. 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 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Cortina. 2005 Citroen Xsara has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Citroen Xsara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Citroen Xsara | 1979 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | Xsara | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1216 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 54 L |
