1959 Citroen DS vs. 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa
To start off, 1959 Citroen DS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen DS weights approximately 640 kg more than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa.
Because 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa 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 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 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 Ferrari 500 Testarossa (205 Nm) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen DS | 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa | |
| Make | Citroen | Ferrari |
| Model | DS | 500 Testarossa |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
