1959 Citroen DS vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 19 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 2,444 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat 131 (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen DS weights approximately 130 kg more than 1978 Fiat 131.
Because 1978 Fiat 131 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 1978 Fiat 131. 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, 1978 Fiat 131 (144 Nm) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Citroen DS | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
Make | Citroen | Fiat |
Model | DS | 131 |
Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1911 cc | 2444 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 74 HP | 75 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 137 Nm | 144 Nm |
Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 93 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 22.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1190 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4270 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2500 mm |