1972 BMW 520 vs. 1985 Citroen CX
To start off, 1985 Citroen CX is newer by 13 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 2,164 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Citroen CX (114 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Citroen CX weights approximately 210 kg more than 1972 BMW 520. 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, 1985 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, 1985 Citroen CX (177 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1985 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1985 Citroen CX | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 520 | CX |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 3100 mm |
