1985 Citroen BX vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Citroen BX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Citroen BX would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 331 more horse power than 1985 Citroen BX. (58 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Citroen BX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1060 kg more than 1985 Citroen BX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Citroen BX, 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 460 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Citroen BX. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Citroen BX. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1985 Citroen BX has manual transmission. 1985 Citroen BX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Citroen BX | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | BX | SL |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1761 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
