2012 Seat Altea vs. 1999 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2012 Seat Altea is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Citroen Xsara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Citroen Xsara would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Seat Altea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Seat Altea (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1999 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Seat Altea should accelerate faster than 1999 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Seat Altea weights approximately 94 kg more than 1999 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Seat Altea (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Citroen Xsara. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Citroen Xsara. 1999 Citroen Xsara has automatic transmission and 2012 Seat Altea has manual transmission. 2012 Seat Altea will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Citroen Xsara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Seat Altea | 1999 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Seat | Citroen |
| Model | Altea | Xsara |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 78.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2550 mm |
