1990 BMW 518 vs. 2009 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2009 Citroen Xsara is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 518 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2009 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 2009 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 215 kg more than 1990 BMW 518.
Because 1990 BMW 518 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 1990 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Citroen Xsara, 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, 2009 Citroen Xsara (205 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 2009 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 518 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |
