1996 BMW M3 vs. 1974 Citroen GS
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Citroen GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Citroen GS would be higher. At 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 1974 Citroen GS. (58 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Citroen GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 692 kg more than 1974 Citroen GS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Citroen GS, 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 M3 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Citroen GS. (88 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Citroen GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1974 Citroen GS | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | M3 | GS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1222 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 65.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 43 L |
