1983 BMW 316 vs. 1974 Citroen CX
To start off, 1983 BMW 316 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Citroen CX would be higher. At 2,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Citroen CX (95 HP @ 3700 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1983 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Citroen CX weights approximately 415 kg more than 1983 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 BMW 316 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 1983 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1974 Citroen CX (216 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 316. 1983 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1974 Citroen CX has manual transmission. 1974 Citroen CX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 316 | 1974 Citroen CX | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 316 | CX |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1765 cc | 2498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 68 L |
