1981 BMW 528 vs. 2011 Citroen C5
To start off, 2011 Citroen C5 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Citroen C5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Citroen C5 (204 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1981 BMW 528. (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Citroen C5 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 528. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Citroen C5 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1981 BMW 528. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 528 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 528. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Citroen C5, 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 C5 (285 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 528. (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Citroen C5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 528.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 2011 Citroen C5 | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 528 | C5 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 66 L |
