1989 Citroen XM vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 18 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1989 Citroen XM. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1989 Citroen XM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Citroen XM weights approximately 135 kg more than 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Because 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (230 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Citroen XM. (225 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Citroen XM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Citroen XM | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XM | SLK |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1905 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.1 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
