1989 Citroen XM vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 9 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 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1989 Citroen XM. (108 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1989 Citroen XM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 423 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Citroen XM. (235 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Citroen XM. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Citroen XM | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XM | SL |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2088 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1337 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
