1978 BMW M1 vs. 1959 Citroen 2CV
To start off, 1978 BMW M1 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 260 more horse power than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (13 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW M1 weights approximately 700 kg more than 1959 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 BMW M1 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 1978 BMW M1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Citroen 2CV, 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, 1978 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (24 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1959 Citroen 2CV | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | M1 | 2CV |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 425 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 13 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 24 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 62 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 19 L |
