1988 BMW M3 vs. 1974 Citroen GS
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Citroen GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Citroen GS would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1974 Citroen GS. (58 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Citroen GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 258 kg more than 1974 Citroen GS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Citroen GS, 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 M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Citroen GS. (87 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Citroen GS. 1974 Citroen GS has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Citroen GS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1974 Citroen GS | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | M3 | GS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1220 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 65.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
