1974 BMW 3 vs. 1999 Citroen XM
To start off, 1999 Citroen XM is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1999 Citroen XM. (115 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Citroen XM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 153 kg more than 1999 Citroen XM. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 BMW 3 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 1974 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Citroen XM. (174 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Citroen XM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 1999 Citroen XM | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 3 | XM |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2760 mm |
