1996 BMW 520 vs. 1999 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 1999 Citroen Xsara is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1999 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1999 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 396 kg more than 1999 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 520 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 1996 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1996 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Citroen Xsara. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 1999 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 520 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1496 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2550 mm |
