2008 Citroen Xsara vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 2008 Citroen Xsara is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,749 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Citroen Xsara (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 450 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Volkswagen 1600 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 1970 Volkswagen 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Citroen Xsara (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (106 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Citroen Xsara | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Xsara | 1600 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1749 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 133 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
