1959 Citroen DS vs. 1981 Ferrari 208
To start off, 1981 Ferrari 208 is newer by 22 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 1,991 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 208 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 208 (153 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen DS weights approximately 15 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 208.
Because 1981 Ferrari 208 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 1981 Ferrari 208. 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, 1981 Ferrari 208 (170 Nm) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1981 Ferrari 208 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen DS | 1981 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | Citroen | Ferrari |
| Model | DS | 208 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2350 mm |
