1956 BMW 501 vs. 2009 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2009 Citroen Xsara is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,166 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2009 Citroen Xsara. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 2009 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 112 kg more than 2009 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 BMW 501 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 1956 BMW 501. 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, 1956 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Citroen Xsara. (191 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2009 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 501 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1293 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2550 mm |
