1974 Citroen GS vs. 1990 BMW 850
To start off, 1990 BMW 850 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Citroen GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Citroen GS would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1990 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 850 (297 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 1974 Citroen GS. (58 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1974 Citroen GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 850 weights approximately 848 kg more than 1974 Citroen GS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 850 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 1990 BMW 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1990 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 363 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Citroen GS. (87 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Citroen GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen GS | 1990 BMW 850 | |
| Make | Citroen | BMW |
| Model | GS | 850 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1220 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 942 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 52 L |
