1988 BMW 520 vs. 1980 Citroen CX
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Citroen CX would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1980 Citroen CX. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 345 kg more than 1980 Citroen CX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 520 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 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1988 BMW 520 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen CX. (152 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen CX. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1980 Citroen CX has manual transmission. 1980 Citroen CX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1980 Citroen CX | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 520 | CX |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
