1981 BMW 518 vs. 1992 Citroen XM
To start off, 1992 Citroen XM is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Citroen XM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Citroen XM (115 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Citroen XM should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Citroen XM weights approximately 140 kg more than 1981 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 518 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 1981 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 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, 1992 Citroen XM (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1992 Citroen XM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1992 Citroen XM | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 518 | XM |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2760 mm |
