1981 BMW 518 vs. 2000 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2000 Citroen Xsara is newer by 19 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 1,868 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 518 (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2000 Citroen Xsara. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 2000 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 518 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2000 Citroen Xsara. 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, 2000 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, 1981 BMW 518 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Citroen Xsara. (128 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 2000 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 518 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1868 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2550 mm |
