1981 BMW 520 vs. 1989 Citroen XM
To start off, 1989 Citroen XM is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,975 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Citroen XM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Citroen XM (170 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Citroen XM should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Citroen XM weights approximately 284 kg more than 1981 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 520 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 520. 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, 1989 Citroen XM (240 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Citroen XM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 520 | 1989 Citroen XM | |
Make | BMW | Citroen |
Model | 520 | XM |
Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2975 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 170 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 73 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1504 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2860 mm |