1996 Citroen XM vs. 1979 Bitter SC
To start off, 1996 Citroen XM is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Bitter SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Bitter SC would be higher. At 2,968 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Bitter SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Bitter SC (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1996 Citroen XM. (115 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Bitter SC should accelerate faster than 1996 Citroen XM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Bitter SC weights approximately 76 kg more than 1996 Citroen XM. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Bitter SC 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 1979 Bitter SC. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1979 Bitter SC (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Citroen XM. (174 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1979 Bitter SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Citroen XM. 1979 Bitter SC has automatic transmission and 1996 Citroen XM has manual transmission. 1996 Citroen XM will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Bitter SC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Citroen XM | 1979 Bitter SC | |
| Make | Citroen | Bitter |
| Model | XM | SC |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2690 mm |
