1989 Citroen XM vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1989 Citroen XM is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1989 Citroen XM. (130 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1989 Citroen XM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 432 kg more than 1989 Citroen XM. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Citroen XM. (177 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Citroen XM. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1989 Citroen XM has manual transmission. 1989 Citroen XM will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Citroen XM | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XM | 450 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2870 mm |
