1956 Citroen DS vs. 1986 Ferrari 208
To start off, 1986 Ferrari 208 is newer by 30 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 1,990 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Ferrari 208 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ferrari 208 (217 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ferrari 208 weights approximately 145 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 1986 Ferrari 208 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 1986 Ferrari 208. 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, 1986 Ferrari 208 (240 Nm) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1986 Ferrari 208 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Citroen DS | 1986 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | Citroen | Ferrari |
| Model | DS | 208 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1909 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 74 L |
