1990 BMW 518 vs. 1974 Citroen GS
To start off, 1990 BMW 518 is newer by 16 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 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 518 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1974 Citroen GS. (58 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1974 Citroen GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 518 weights approximately 220 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 1990 BMW 518 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 1990 BMW 518. 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, 1990 BMW 518 (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Citroen GS. (88 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Citroen GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 1974 Citroen GS | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 518 | GS |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1222 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 65.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 43 L |
