1981 BMW 518 vs. 1993 Citroen Xantia
To start off, 1993 Citroen Xantia is newer by 12 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 1,905 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Citroen Xantia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Citroen Xantia (92 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Citroen Xantia should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Citroen Xantia weights approximately 193 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, 1993 Citroen Xantia, 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, 1993 Citroen Xantia (200 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1993 Citroen Xantia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1993 Citroen Xantia | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 518 | Xantia |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1905 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 92 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 21.8:1 |
| 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 | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2860 mm |
