1996 BMW 540 vs. 1982 Citroen LN
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Citroen LN. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Citroen LN would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 233 more horse power than 1982 Citroen LN. (49 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1982 Citroen LN. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 1085 kg more than 1982 Citroen LN. 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, 1982 Citroen LN, 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 354 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Citroen LN. (86 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Citroen LN.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1982 Citroen LN | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 540 | LN |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
