1984 BMW 316 vs. 1974 Citroen GS
To start off, 1984 BMW 316 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Citroen GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Citroen GS would be higher. At 1,573 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 BMW 316 (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1974 Citroen GS. (58 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1974 Citroen GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 BMW 316 weights approximately 132 kg more than 1974 Citroen GS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1984 BMW 316 (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Citroen GS. (87 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1984 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Citroen GS. 1974 Citroen GS has automatic transmission and 1984 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1984 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Citroen GS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 316 | 1974 Citroen GS | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 316 | GS |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 1220 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 65.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1074 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
