2009 BMW 120 vs. 1989 Citroen XM
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Citroen XM. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Citroen XM would be higher. At 2,975 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Citroen XM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Citroen XM (170 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Citroen XM should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 211 kg more than 1989 Citroen XM.
Because 2009 BMW 120 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 2009 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Citroen XM, 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, 2009 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Citroen XM. (240 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Citroen XM. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1989 Citroen XM has manual transmission. 1989 Citroen XM will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1989 Citroen XM | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 120 | XM |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 80 L |
