1988 BMW 316 vs. 1979 Citroen CX
To start off, 1988 BMW 316 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Citroen CX would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Citroen CX (107 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 440 kg more than 1979 Citroen CX.
Because 1988 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 1988 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1979 Citroen CX (166 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1979 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 1979 Citroen CX | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 316 | CX |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 107 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 82 mm |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3100 mm |
