1996 Citroen XM vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 15 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Golf (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1996 Citroen XM. (115 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Citroen XM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 78 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.
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, 2011 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Citroen XM. (174 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Citroen XM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Citroen XM | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | XM | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 55 L |
