1955 Bristol 405 vs. 1969 Citroen DS
To start off, 1969 Citroen DS is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Bristol 405. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Bristol 405 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Citroen DS (102 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1955 Bristol 405. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1955 Bristol 405. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Bristol 405 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1969 Citroen DS.
Because 1955 Bristol 405 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 Bristol 405. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 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, both vehicles can yield 152 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Bristol 405 | 1969 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Bristol | Citroen |
| Model | 405 | DS |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 65 L |
