1956 Citroen DS vs. 1981 Suzuki Alto
To start off, 1981 Suzuki Alto 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 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Citroen DS (75 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1981 Suzuki Alto. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1981 Suzuki Alto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Citroen DS weights approximately 627 kg more than 1981 Suzuki Alto. 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 (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Suzuki Alto. (60 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1956 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Suzuki Alto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Citroen DS | 1981 Suzuki Alto | |
| Make | Citroen | Suzuki |
| Model | DS | Alto |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1237 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2160 mm |
