1996 BMW 525 vs. 2001 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2001 Citroen Xsara is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2001 Citroen Xsara. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2001 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 258 kg more than 2001 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Citroen Xsara (255 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 525. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2001 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 525. 2001 Citroen Xsara has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Citroen Xsara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2001 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 525 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1252 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 54 L |
