1971 BMW 3 vs. 1988 Citroen AX
To start off, 1988 Citroen AX is newer by 17 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 118 more horse power than 1988 Citroen AX. (52 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Citroen AX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 630 kg more than 1988 Citroen AX. 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, 1988 Citroen AX, 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 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Citroen AX. (84 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Citroen AX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1988 Citroen AX | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 3 | AX |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2290 mm |
