1981 BMW 520 vs. 1979 Citroen CX
To start off, 1981 BMW 520 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Citroen CX would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 520 (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1979 Citroen CX. (107 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Citroen CX weights approximately 170 kg more than 1981 BMW 520.
Because 1981 BMW 520 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 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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 BMW 520 (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen CX. (166 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen CX.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 520 | 1979 Citroen CX | |
Make | BMW | Citroen |
Model | 520 | CX |
Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1994 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 107 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 170 Nm | 166 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.2:1 |
Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 167 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1390 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4970 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3100 mm |