1956 Citroen DS vs. 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 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 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Citroen DS (65 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Citroen DS weights approximately 438 kg more than 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 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 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 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 (133 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (77 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1956 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
1956 Citroen DS | 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
Model | DS | Karmann-Ghia |
Year Released | 1956 | 1957 |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 1911 cc | 1192 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 65 HP | 30 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Torque | 133 Nm | 77 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1258 kg | 820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2430 mm |