1988 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2006 Citroen Xsara is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Citroen Xsara (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 169 kg more than 2006 Citroen Xsara.
Because 1988 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 1988 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Citroen Xsara (190 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2006 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 520 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 12.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
