1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1959 Citroen DS
To start off, 1959 Citroen DS is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 3,860 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 306 kg more than 1959 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 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 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 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, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air (277 Nm) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1959 Citroen DS | |
Make | Chevrolet | Citroen |
Model | Bel Air | DS |
Year Released | 1957 | 1959 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3860 cc | 1911 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 115 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 277 Nm | 137 Nm |
Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 78.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 100 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1320 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 5000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1540 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 3140 mm |