1997 BMW 850 vs. 1989 Citroen BX
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Citroen BX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Citroen BX would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 258 more horse power than 1989 Citroen BX. (71 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1989 Citroen BX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 1015 kg more than 1989 Citroen BX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 BMW 850 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 1997 BMW 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Citroen BX, 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 380 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Citroen BX. (110 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Citroen BX. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1989 Citroen BX has manual transmission. 1989 Citroen BX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1989 Citroen BX | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 850 | BX |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 1360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2660 mm |
