1971 BMW 3 vs. 1986 Citroen Visa
To start off, 1986 Citroen Visa is newer by 15 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 64 more horse power than 1986 Citroen Visa. (106 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Citroen Visa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 490 kg more than 1986 Citroen Visa. 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, 1986 Citroen Visa, 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 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Citroen Visa. (134 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Citroen Visa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1986 Citroen Visa | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 3 | Visa |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1579 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2440 mm |
