1956 Citroen DS vs. 1973 Renault 12
To start off, 1973 Renault 12 is newer by 17 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 12 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Citroen DS weights approximately 358 kg more than 1973 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1956 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Citroen DS | 1973 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Citroen | Renault |
| Model | DS | 12 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 65 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1258 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 56 L |
