1981 BMW 525 vs. 2011 Citroen C4
To start off, 2011 Citroen C4 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 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 40 more horse power than 2011 Citroen C4. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2011 Citroen C4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Citroen C4 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1981 BMW 525.
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, 2011 Citroen C4, 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, 2011 Citroen C4 (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Citroen C4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2011 Citroen C4 | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 525 | C4 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 14.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
