1987 BMW 318 vs. 1986 Citroen CX
To start off, 1987 BMW 318 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Citroen CX would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Citroen CX (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1987 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Citroen CX weights approximately 454 kg more than 1987 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 BMW 318 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 1987 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1986 Citroen CX (206 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 318. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1986 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 318 | 1986 Citroen CX | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 318 | CX |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3100 mm |
