2008 Citroen Xsara vs. 1981 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2008 Citroen Xsara is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Carina (83 HP) has 9 more horse power than 2008 Citroen Xsara. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 2008 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 236 kg more than 1981 Toyota Carina.
Because 1981 Toyota Carina 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 1981 Toyota Carina. 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, 1981 Toyota Carina (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Citroen Xsara. (120 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Citroen Xsara | 1981 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Citroen | Toyota |
| Model | Xsara | Carina |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1358 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 83 HP |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 61 L |
