1989 Citroen XM vs. 1980 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1989 Citroen XM is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Citroen XM (168 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1980 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Citroen XM should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Citroen XM weights approximately 16 kg more than 1980 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Ford Fairlane 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 1980 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1980 Ford Fairlane (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Citroen XM. (235 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Citroen XM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Citroen XM | 1980 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | XM | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2975 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2950 mm |
