1956 Citroen DS vs. 1954 Ford Zephyr
To start off, 1956 Citroen DS is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,262 cc (6 cylinders), 1954 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Citroen DS (75 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1954 Ford Zephyr. (57 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1954 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Citroen DS weights approximately 91 kg more than 1954 Ford Zephyr. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 Ford Zephyr 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 1954 Ford Zephyr. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1956 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, 1954 Ford Zephyr (151 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1954 Ford Zephyr will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Citroen DS | 1954 Ford Zephyr | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | DS | Zephyr |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 2262 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1237 kg | 1146 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
