2009 Citroen Xsara vs. 1978 Lada 1200
To start off, 2009 Citroen Xsara is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lada 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lada 1200 would be higher. At 1,749 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Citroen Xsara (114 HP) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Lada 1200. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1978 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 375 kg more than 1978 Lada 1200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Lada 1200 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 1978 Lada 1200. 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 (161 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen Xsara | 1978 Lada 1200 | |
| Make | Citroen | Lada |
| Model | Xsara | 1200 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1749 cc | 1198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 66 mm |
| 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.7 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 39 L |
