1956 Citroen DS vs. 1988 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1988 Lancia Thema is newer by 32 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lancia Thema (163 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (75 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lancia Thema weights approximately 73 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.
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, 1988 Lancia Thema (225 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Citroen DS | 1988 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Citroen | Lancia |
| Model | DS | Thema |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1237 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2670 mm |
