1955 Alpine A 106 vs. 1972 Citroen DS
To start off, 1972 Citroen DS is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Alpine A 106. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Alpine A 106 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Citroen DS (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1955 Alpine A 106. (20 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1955 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Citroen DS weights approximately 680 kg more than 1955 Alpine A 106. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Alpine A 106 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 Alpine A 106. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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, 1972 Citroen DS (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Alpine A 106.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Alpine A 106 | 1972 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Alpine | Citroen |
| Model | A 106 | DS |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 530 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 3130 mm |
