1957 Citroen DS vs. 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1957 Citroen DS is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Citroen DS (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Citroen DS weights approximately 500 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 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 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1957 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 Citroen DS (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (77 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1957 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Citroen DS | 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | DS | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 1190 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2430 mm |
