1981 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Citroen C3
To start off, 2012 Citroen C3 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 520 (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2012 Citroen C3. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2012 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Citroen C3 weights approximately 43 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, 2012 Citroen C3, 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 Citroen C3 (200 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520. 2012 Citroen C3 has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Citroen C3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 2012 Citroen C3 | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 520 | C3 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1263 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
