1996 BMW 540 vs. 1947 Citroen 15
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1947 Citroen 15. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1947 Citroen 15 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1947 Citroen 15. (76 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1947 Citroen 15. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 490 kg more than 1947 Citroen 15. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 540 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 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1947 Citroen 15, 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1947 Citroen 15. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1947 Citroen 15.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1947 Citroen 15 | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 540 | 15 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1947 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2867 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 6.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3100 mm |
