1956 Citroen DS vs. 1957 Riley 2.6
To start off, 1957 Riley 2.6 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Citroen DS would be higher. At 2,639 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Riley 2.6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Riley 2.6 (101 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (65 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1957 Riley 2.6 should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Riley 2.6 weights approximately 382 kg more than 1956 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Riley 2.6 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 1957 Riley 2.6. 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, 1957 Riley 2.6 (194 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (133 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1957 Riley 2.6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Citroen DS | 1957 Riley 2.6 | |
| Make | Citroen | Riley |
| Model | DS | 2.6 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 2639 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 65 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 194 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1258 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 54 L |
