2008 Citroen Xsara vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Citroen Xsara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Citroen Xsara would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2008 Citroen Xsara. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2008 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 525 weights approximately 380 kg more than 2008 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Citroen Xsara. (250 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Citroen Xsara. 2012 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2008 Citroen Xsara has manual transmission. 2008 Citroen Xsara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Citroen Xsara | 2012 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Citroen | BMW |
| Model | Xsara | 525 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.8 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.5 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
