1988 BMW 524 vs. 1989 Citroen XM
To start off, 1989 Citroen XM is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 524. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 524 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 524 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 524 (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1989 Citroen XM. (110 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 524 should accelerate faster than 1989 Citroen XM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Citroen XM weights approximately 25 kg more than 1988 BMW 524.
Because 1988 BMW 524 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 524. 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 (255 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Citroen XM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 1989 Citroen XM | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 524 | XM |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2088 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2860 mm |
