2003 Citroen Xsara vs. 2007 BMW 523
To start off, 2007 BMW 523 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Citroen Xsara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Citroen Xsara would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 523 (175 HP) has 37 more horse power than 2003 Citroen Xsara. (138 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2003 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 38 kg more than 2007 BMW 523.
Because 2007 BMW 523 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 2007 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2007 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Citroen Xsara. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Citroen Xsara. 2007 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 2003 Citroen Xsara has manual transmission. 2003 Citroen Xsara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Citroen Xsara | 2007 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Citroen | BMW |
| Model | Xsara | 523 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 175 HP |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1318 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
