1996 BMW 540 vs. 1975 Citroen CX
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Citroen CX would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1975 Citroen CX. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1975 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 345 kg more than 1975 Citroen CX. 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, 1975 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Citroen CX. (178 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Citroen CX. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1975 Citroen CX has manual transmission. 1975 Citroen CX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1975 Citroen CX | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 540 | CX |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 89 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 166 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3100 mm |
