1956 Citroen DS vs. 1978 Buick Century
To start off, 1978 Buick Century is newer by 22 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Century (140 HP) has 66 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Century weights approximately 290 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 1978 Buick Century 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 1978 Buick Century. 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, 1978 Buick Century (250 Nm) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1978 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Citroen DS | 1978 Buick Century | |
| Make | Citroen | Buick |
| Model | DS | Century |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1909 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 140 HP |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 94.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2760 mm |
