1959 Citroen DS vs. 1972 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1972 Volkswagen 1600 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 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Citroen DS (74 HP) has 21 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen DS weights approximately 354 kg more than 1972 Volkswagen 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Volkswagen 1600 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 Volkswagen 1600. 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 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm). This means 1959 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen DS | 1972 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | DS | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 110 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 | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
