1973 BMW 3 vs. 2009 Citroen C5
To start off, 2009 Citroen C5 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,153 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Citroen C5 (204 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3. (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Citroen C5 should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen C5 weights approximately 285 kg more than 1973 BMW 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Citroen C5, 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, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Citroen C5. (285 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Citroen C5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 2009 Citroen C5 | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 3 | C5 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 66 L |
