1981 BMW 525 vs. 1999 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 1999 Citroen Xsara is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1999 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1999 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 525 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1999 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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 525 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Citroen Xsara. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Citroen Xsara. 1999 Citroen Xsara has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Citroen Xsara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 1999 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 525 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 78.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2550 mm |
