1962 BMW 1800 vs. 1956 Citroen 2CV
To start off, 1962 BMW 1800 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 1,771 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 BMW 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 BMW 1800 (90 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1956 Citroen 2CV. (10 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 BMW 1800 should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 BMW 1800 weights approximately 548 kg more than 1956 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 BMW 1800 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 1962 BMW 1800. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1956 Citroen 2CV, 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, 1962 BMW 1800 (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen 2CV. (22 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1962 BMW 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 1800 | 1956 Citroen 2CV | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 1800 | 2CV |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1771 cc | 374 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 10 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 22 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 62 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1043 kg | 495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 19 L |
