1951 Bristol 400 vs. 1959 Citroen DS
To start off, 1959 Citroen DS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1951 Bristol 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1951 Bristol 400 (79 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1951 Bristol 400 should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen DS weights approximately 150 kg more than 1951 Bristol 400.
Because 1951 Bristol 400 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 Bristol 400. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 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, 1959 Citroen DS (137 Nm) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 400. (125 Nm). This means 1959 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 400 | 1959 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Bristol | Citroen |
| Model | 400 | DS |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 78.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 63 L |
