1986 BMW M3 vs. 1978 Citroen LNA
To start off, 1986 BMW M3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Citroen LNA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Citroen LNA would be higher. At 2,302 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M3 (197 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1978 Citroen LNA. (35 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Citroen LNA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW M3 weights approximately 460 kg more than 1978 Citroen LNA. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 BMW M3 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 1986 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Citroen LNA, 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, 1986 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Citroen LNA. (49 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Citroen LNA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M3 | 1978 Citroen LNA | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | M3 | LNA |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 652 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 49 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 126 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2240 mm |
