1989 Citroen XM vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1989 Citroen XM is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,997 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Citroen XM (115 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Citroen XM should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1989 Citroen XM.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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 (174 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Citroen XM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Citroen XM | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XM | 300 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 65 L |
