2009 Citroen Xsara vs. 1968 Ford Escort
To start off, 2009 Citroen Xsara is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Citroen Xsara (108 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 407 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Ford Escort 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 1968 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Citroen Xsara (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (101 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen Xsara | 1968 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | Xsara | Escort |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 153 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1237 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 40 L |
