1959 Citroen DS vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1978 Opel Senator 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 1,979 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 15 kg more than 1959 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Opel Senator 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 Opel Senator. 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 Opel Senator (160 Nm) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen DS | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | DS | Senator |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2690 mm |
