1983 BMW 316 vs. 2001 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2001 Citroen Xsara is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Citroen Xsara (106 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1983 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 258 kg more than 1983 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 BMW 316 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 1983 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Citroen Xsara (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 316 | 2001 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 316 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1765 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1248 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 54 L |
