1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1956 Citroen DS
To start off, 1959 Abarth 850 is newer by 3 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 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Citroen DS (75 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Citroen DS weights approximately 667 kg more than 1959 Abarth 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 850 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 850. 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, 1956 Citroen DS (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1956 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1956 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Abarth | Citroen |
| Model | 850 | DS |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 142 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1237 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 3130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 63 L |
