1971 Austin 3 vs. 1986 Citroen BX
To start off, 1986 Citroen BX is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Austin 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Austin 3 would be higher. At 2,910 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Austin 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Citroen BX (197 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Citroen BX should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 3 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1986 Citroen BX.
Because 1986 Citroen BX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Austin 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Citroen BX will offer significantly more control. 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, 1986 Citroen BX (294 Nm) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Austin 3. (218 Nm). This means 1986 Citroen BX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Austin 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 1986 Citroen BX | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | 3 | BX |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 2139 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 91.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 81.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
