1956 Citroen DS vs. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 56 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (75 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1078 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 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1956 Citroen DS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 363 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton 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. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Citroen DS | 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | DS | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Top Speed | 142 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1237 kg | 2315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5179 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 3001 mm |
