1994 BMW 520 vs. 1973 Citroen DS
To start off, 1994 BMW 520 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW 520 (148 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1973 Citroen DS. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW 520 weights approximately 284 kg more than 1973 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 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 1994 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Citroen DS, 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, 1994 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen DS. (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1994 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 520 | 1973 Citroen DS | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 520 | DS |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
