1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1989 Citroen XM
To start off, 1989 Citroen XM is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice (129 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1989 Citroen XM. (110 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1989 Citroen XM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 320 kg more than 1989 Citroen XM. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. 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, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Citroen XM. (255 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Citroen XM. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1989 Citroen XM has manual transmission. 1989 Citroen XM will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 1989 Citroen XM | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Citroen |
| Model | Caprice | XM |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 2088 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2860 mm |
