1956 Citroen DS vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1956 Citroen DS is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,909 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Citroen DS (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Citroen DS weights approximately 400 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Volkswagen Beetle 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 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, 1956 Citroen DS (137 Nm) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm). This means 1956 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Citroen DS | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | DS | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1909 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2410 mm |
