2008 BMW 523 vs. 1999 Citroen Xantia
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Citroen Xantia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Citroen Xantia would be higher. At 2,945 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Citroen Xantia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Citroen Xantia (191 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Citroen Xantia should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 22 kg more than 1999 Citroen Xantia.
Because 2008 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 2008 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Citroen Xantia, 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, 1999 Citroen Xantia (277 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Citroen Xantia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1999 Citroen Xantia | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 523 | Xantia |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2945 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 191 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1468 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2750 mm |
