1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1959 Citroen DS
To start off, 1959 Citroen DS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 3,869 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS.
Because 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air 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 Chevrolet Bel Air. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 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 Chevrolet Bel Air (278 Nm) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1959 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Citroen |
| Model | Bel Air | DS |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3869 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 78.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 3140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 63 L |
