1959 Citroen DS vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, both 1959 Citroen DS and 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia were released in the same year (1959). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Citroen DS (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen DS weights approximately 450 kg more than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 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 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 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, 1959 Citroen DS (137 Nm) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm). This means 1959 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen DS | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | DS | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2430 mm |
