1956 BMW 503 vs. 1989 Citroen XM
To start off, 1989 Citroen XM is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Citroen XM (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1956 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Citroen XM should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 503.
Because 1956 BMW 503 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 503. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Citroen XM, 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, 1989 Citroen XM (225 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Citroen XM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 503 | 1989 Citroen XM | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 503 | XM |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1905 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.3:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
