1957 Citroen DS vs. 1981 Ferrari 308
To start off, 1981 Ferrari 308 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Citroen DS would be higher. At 2,926 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 308 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1957 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1957 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Citroen DS weights approximately 40 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 308.
Because 1981 Ferrari 308 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 1981 Ferrari 308. 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, 1981 Ferrari 308 (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Citroen DS. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Citroen DS | 1981 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | Citroen | Ferrari |
| Model | DS | 308 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 74 L |
