1974 BMW 518 vs. 1977 Citroen GS
To start off, 1977 Citroen GS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 518 (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1977 Citroen GS. (55 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1977 Citroen GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 518 weights approximately 350 kg more than 1977 Citroen GS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 BMW 518 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 1974 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Citroen GS, 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 BMW 518 (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Citroen GS. (72 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Citroen GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 518 | 1977 Citroen GS | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 518 | GS |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1015 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 72 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
