1971 BMW 3 vs. 1981 Citroen CX
To start off, 1981 Citroen CX is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1981 Citroen CX. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1981 Citroen CX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 BMW 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 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Citroen CX, 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 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen CX. (152 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen CX.
Compare all specifications:
1971 BMW 3 | 1981 Citroen CX | |
Make | BMW | Citroen |
Model | 3 | CX |
Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 105 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 271 Nm | 152 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3250 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1225 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4670 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |