2009 BMW 120 vs. 1974 Citroen CX
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Citroen CX would be higher. At 2,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1974 Citroen CX. (95 HP @ 3700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1974 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1974 Citroen CX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 120 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 2009 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Citroen CX, 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, 1974 Citroen CX (216 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1974 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1974 Citroen CX has manual transmission. 1974 Citroen CX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1974 Citroen CX | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 120 | CX |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 68 L |
