1990 Citroen XM vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Citroen XM. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Citroen XM would be higher. At 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 395 more horse power than 1990 Citroen XM. (115 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1990 Citroen XM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 970 kg more than 1990 Citroen XM. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 655 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Citroen XM. (174 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Citroen XM. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1990 Citroen XM has manual transmission. 1990 Citroen XM will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Citroen XM | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XM | S |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 829 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 90 L |
