1959 Citroen DS vs. 1972 Plymouth Valiant
To start off, 1972 Plymouth Valiant is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Citroen DS would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Plymouth Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Plymouth Valiant (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Plymouth Valiant should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen DS weights approximately 10 kg more than 1972 Plymouth Valiant.
Because 1972 Plymouth Valiant 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 1972 Plymouth Valiant. 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, 1972 Plymouth Valiant (251 Nm) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1972 Plymouth Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen DS | 1972 Plymouth Valiant | |
| Make | Citroen | Plymouth |
| Model | DS | Valiant |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 104.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
