1989 Citroen XM vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Citroen XM. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Citroen XM would be higher. At 5,600 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 290 more horse power than 1989 Citroen XM. (130 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1989 Citroen XM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Citroen XM weights approximately 110 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
Because 1997 Volkswagen W12 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 1997 Volkswagen W12. 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 542 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Citroen XM. (177 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Citroen XM. 1997 Volkswagen W12 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. 1997 Volkswagen W12 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Citroen XM | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | XM | W12 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 321 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2550 mm |
