1981 BMW 525 vs. 1970 Citroen GS
To start off, 1981 BMW 525 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Citroen GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Citroen GS would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1970 Citroen GS. (54 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1970 Citroen GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 525 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1970 Citroen GS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 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, 1981 BMW 525 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Citroen GS. (70 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Citroen GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 1970 Citroen GS | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 525 | GS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1015 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 70 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
