1997 Citroen Xsara vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Citroen Xsara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Citroen Xsara would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen Xsara.
Because 2012 BMW 520 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 2012 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Citroen Xsara, 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, 2012 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Citroen Xsara | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Citroen | BMW |
| Model | Xsara | 520 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1761 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
