1988 BMW 520 vs. 1990 Citroen BX
To start off, 1990 Citroen BX is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Citroen BX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1990 Citroen BX. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1990 Citroen BX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 435 kg more than 1990 Citroen BX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Citroen BX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Citroen BX will offer significantly more control. 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 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Citroen BX. (173 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Citroen BX. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1990 Citroen BX has manual transmission. 1990 Citroen BX 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 | 1990 Citroen BX | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 520 | BX |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |
