2004 BMW 520 vs. 1974 Citroen GS
To start off, 2004 BMW 520 is newer by 30 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 520 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1974 Citroen GS. (58 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1974 Citroen GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 520 weights approximately 730 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 2004 BMW 520 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 2004 BMW 520. 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, 2004 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Citroen GS. (88 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Citroen GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 520 | 1974 Citroen GS | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 520 | GS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1222 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 65.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
