1959 Abarth 500 vs. 1969 Citroen DS
To start off, 1969 Citroen DS is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Citroen DS (102 HP) has 82 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Citroen DS weights approximately 765 kg more than 1959 Abarth 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 500 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 1959 Abarth 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 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, 1969 Citroen DS (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 1969 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Abarth | Citroen |
| Model | 500 | DS |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 102 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 3130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 65 L |
