1972 BMW 520 vs. 1974 Citroen CX
To start off, 1974 Citroen CX is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1974 Citroen CX. (138 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1974 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Citroen CX weights approximately 5 kg more than 1972 BMW 520.
Because 1972 BMW 520 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 1972 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1974 Citroen CX (206 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1974 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 1974 Citroen CX has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Citroen CX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1974 Citroen CX | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 520 | CX |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3100 mm |
