1956 Citroen DS vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 25 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 465 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 1981 Pontiac Firebird 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 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (256 Nm) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1956 Citroen DS has manual transmission. 1956 Citroen DS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Citroen DS | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Citroen | Pontiac |
| Model | DS | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1909 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 79 L |
