1996 BMW 520 vs. 1985 Citroen CX
To start off, 1996 BMW 520 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Citroen CX would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1985 Citroen CX. (137 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1985 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 76 kg more than 1985 Citroen CX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Citroen CX (206 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1985 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 1985 Citroen CX | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 520 | CX |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1496 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3100 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
