1997 Citroen Saxo vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Citroen Saxo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Citroen Saxo would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (227 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1997 Citroen Saxo. (59 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen Saxo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 720 kg more than 1997 Citroen Saxo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 2013 BMW 3 Series. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Citroen Saxo, 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Citroen Saxo. (88 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Citroen Saxo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Citroen Saxo | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Citroen | BMW |
| Model | Saxo | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1123 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.7 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 61 L |
