1951 Allard J1 vs. 1956 Citroen DS
To start off, 1956 Citroen DS is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Allard J1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Allard J1 would be higher. At 3,917 cc (8 cylinders), 1951 Allard J1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1951 Allard J1 (100 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1951 Allard J1 should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Allard J1 weights approximately 6 kg more than 1956 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 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 1951 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, 1951 Allard J1 (305 Nm) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1951 Allard J1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Allard J1 | 1956 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Allard | Citroen |
| Model | J1 | DS |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3917 cc | 1909 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1146 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 3130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 113 L | 63 L |
