1948 Allard J1 vs. 1956 Citroen DS
To start off, 1956 Citroen DS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Allard J1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Allard J1 would be higher. At 3,622 cc (8 cylinders), 1948 Allard J1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1948 Allard J1 (85 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (65 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1948 Allard J1 should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Citroen DS weights approximately 238 kg more than 1948 Allard J1.
Because 1948 Allard J1 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 1948 Allard J1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1956 Citroen DS, 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, 1948 Allard J1 (204 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (133 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1948 Allard J1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Allard J1 | 1956 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Allard | Citroen |
| Model | J1 | DS |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3622 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 65 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 100 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1258 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 3130 mm |
