1958 BMW 501 vs. 1956 Citroen DS
To start off, 1958 BMW 501 is newer by 2 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 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (75 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 168 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 1958 BMW 501 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 1958 BMW 501. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1956 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, 1958 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
1958 BMW 501 | 1956 Citroen DS | |
Make | BMW | Citroen |
Model | 501 | DS |
Year Released | 1958 | 1956 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1911 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 75 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 137 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 78 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 100 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1237 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1530 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3130 mm |