1976 Citroen GS vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Citroen GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Citroen GS would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 120 (170 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1976 Citroen GS. (55 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1976 Citroen GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 615 kg more than 1976 Citroen GS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 120 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 2012 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 2012 BMW 120 (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Citroen GS. (72 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Citroen GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Citroen GS | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Citroen | BMW |
| Model | GS | 120 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1015 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 51 L |
