1988 BMW 530 vs. 2009 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2009 Citroen Xsara is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 530 (188 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2009 Citroen Xsara. (108 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2009 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 530 weights approximately 356 kg more than 2009 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 530 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 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1988 BMW 530 (261 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Citroen Xsara. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Citroen Xsara. 2009 Citroen Xsara has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 530 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Citroen Xsara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 530 | 2009 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 530 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 261 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 78.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1593 kg | 1237 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2550 mm |
