1951 Citroen 2CV vs. 1981 Renault 5
To start off, 1981 Renault 5 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Renault 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Renault 5 (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1951 Citroen 2CV. (10 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1951 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Renault 5 weights approximately 535 kg more than 1951 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Renault 5 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 1981 Renault 5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1951 Citroen 2CV, 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, 1981 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Citroen 2CV. (22 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Citroen 2CV | 1981 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Citroen | Renault |
| Model | 2CV | 5 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 375 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 10 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 22 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 515 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3610 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19 L | 51 L |
