1996 BMW M3 vs. 1979 Citroen GSA
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Citroen GSA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Citroen GSA would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1979 Citroen GSA. (64 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen GSA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1979 Citroen GSA. 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, 1979 Citroen GSA, 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 (320 Nm) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen GSA. (94 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen GSA.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW M3 | 1979 Citroen GSA | |
Make | BMW | Citroen |
Model | M3 | GSA |
Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1299 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
Horse Power | 240 HP | 64 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 320 Nm | 94 Nm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.7:1 |
Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 156 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 920 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2560 mm |