1980 BMW 316 vs. 2008 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2008 Citroen Xsara is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Citroen Xsara (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1980 BMW 316. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 178 kg more than 1980 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 BMW 316 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 1980 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Citroen Xsara (190 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW 316. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW 316 | 2008 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 316 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1248 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 54 L |
