1972 BMW 520 vs. 1984 Citroen BX
To start off, 1984 Citroen BX is newer by 12 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1984 Citroen BX. (61 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1984 Citroen BX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1984 Citroen BX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1984 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, 1972 BMW 520 (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Citroen BX. (109 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Citroen BX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1984 Citroen BX | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 520 | BX |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 61 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 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 | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 172 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 | 1230 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
