1976 Citroen CX vs. 1981 Renault 5
To start off, 1981 Renault 5 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Citroen CX would be higher. At 2,347 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Renault 5 (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1976 Citroen CX. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1976 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Citroen CX weights approximately 360 kg more than 1981 Renault 5.
Because 1981 Renault 5 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 1981 Renault 5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1981 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Citroen CX. (186 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1981 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Citroen CX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Citroen CX | 1981 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Citroen | Renault |
| Model | CX | 5 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2347 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 51 L |
