1971 BMW 3 vs. 1985 Citroen BX
To start off, 1985 Citroen BX is newer by 14 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 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1985 Citroen BX. (62 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Citroen BX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 490 kg more than 1985 Citroen BX. 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, 1985 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 BMW 3 (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Citroen BX. (109 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Citroen BX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1985 Citroen BX | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 3 | BX |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2860 mm |
