1989 Citroen XM vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird

To start off, 1989 Citroen XM is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1989 Citroen XM. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1989 Citroen XM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 250 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 Pontiac Firebird 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 Pontiac Firebird. 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 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 338 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Citroen XM. (225 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Citroen XM.

Compare all specifications:

1989 Citroen XM 1973 Pontiac Firebird
Make Citroen Pontiac
Model XM Firebird
Year Released 1989 1973
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1905 cc 7462 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 141 HP 296 HP
Engine RPM 4600 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 225 Nm 563 Nm
Torque RPM 2200 RPM 3200 RPM
Engine Bore Size 86 mm 105.4 mm
Engine Stroke Size 86 mm 106.9 mm
Drive Type Front Rear
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1500 kg 1750 kg
Vehicle Length 4970 mm 4870 mm
Vehicle Width 1800 mm 1870 mm
Vehicle Height 1470 mm 1290 mm
Wheelbase Size 2860 mm 2750 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 80 L 76 L