1996 Citroen XM vs. 2009 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Citroen XM. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Citroen XM would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Citroen XM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1996 Citroen XM. (115 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Citroen XM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Citroen XM weights approximately 56 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Golf.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Citroen XM. (174 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Citroen XM. 2009 Volkswagen Golf 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. 2009 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Citroen XM | 2009 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | XM | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 55 L |
