1956 Cadillac 6239D vs. 1971 Citroen DS

To start off, 1971 Citroen DS is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Cadillac 6239D. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Cadillac 6239D would be higher. At 5,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Cadillac 6239D is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Cadillac 6239D (285 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1971 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Cadillac 6239D should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Cadillac 6239D weights approximately 798 kg more than 1971 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1956 Cadillac 6239D 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 1956 Cadillac 6239D. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 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, 1956 Cadillac 6239D (543 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 392 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1956 Cadillac 6239D will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen DS.

Compare all specifications:

1956 Cadillac 6239D 1971 Citroen DS
Make Cadillac Citroen
Model 6239D DS
Year Released 1956 1971
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 5972 cc 1985 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 285 HP 98 HP
Engine RPM 4600 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 543 Nm 151 Nm
Torque RPM 2800 RPM 3500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 101.6 mm 86 mm
Engine Stroke Size 92.1 mm 85.5 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.7:1 9.0:1
Drive Type Rear Front
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 2010 kg 1212 kg
Vehicle Length 5650 mm 4810 mm
Vehicle Width 2040 mm 1800 mm
Vehicle Height 1520 mm 1480 mm
Wheelbase Size 3280 mm 3130 mm