1988 BMW M3 vs. 1998 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 1998 Citroen Xsara is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,302 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1998 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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 M3 (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (128 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1998 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | M3 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 1868 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1056 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2550 mm |
