1971 Austin 3 vs. 1987 Citroen BX
To start off, 1987 Citroen BX is newer by 16 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, 1987 Citroen BX (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 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 417 kg more than 1987 Citroen BX.
Because 1971 Austin 3 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 1971 Austin 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Citroen BX, 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, 1971 Austin 3 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen BX. (180 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1971 Austin 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen BX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 1987 Citroen BX | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | 3 | BX |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 1905 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1073 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2660 mm |
