2008 Citroen Xsara vs. 1976 Fiat 131
To start off, 2008 Citroen Xsara is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Fiat 131 (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2008 Citroen Xsara. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 2008 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 251 kg more than 1976 Fiat 131.
Because 1976 Fiat 131 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 1976 Fiat 131. 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 (250 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Fiat 131. (177 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Citroen Xsara | 1976 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | Xsara | 131 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1291 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 50 L |
