1997 BMW 850 vs. 1996 Citroen XM
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 1 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 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1996 Citroen XM. (115 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1996 Citroen XM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 665 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 1997 BMW 850 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 1997 BMW 850. 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 316 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Citroen XM. (174 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Citroen XM. 1997 BMW 850 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. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1996 Citroen XM | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 850 | XM |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2760 mm |
