1955 Abarth 600 vs. 1964 Citroen DS
To start off, 1964 Citroen DS is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1964 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Citroen DS (82 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1955 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1964 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1955 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Citroen DS weights approximately 567 kg more than 1955 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Abarth 600 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 1955 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1964 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, 1964 Citroen DS (144 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1964 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Abarth 600 | 1964 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Abarth | Citroen |
| Model | 600 | DS |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 85.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| 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 | 588 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 3130 mm |
