1975 BMW 520 vs. 2001 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2001 Citroen Xsara is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 BMW 520 (123 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2001 Citroen Xsara. (106 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2001 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 BMW 520 weights approximately 47 kg more than 2001 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 BMW 520 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 1975 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Citroen Xsara (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 520. (172 Nm @ 4350 RPM). This means 2001 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 520. 2001 Citroen Xsara has automatic transmission and 1975 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1975 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Citroen Xsara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 520 | 2001 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 520 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4350 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12 seconds | 12.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1248 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
