1959 Citroen DS vs. 1981 Ferrari 400
To start off, 1981 Ferrari 400 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 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 400 (306 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 510 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 1981 Ferrari 400 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 400. 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 400 (392 Nm) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1981 Ferrari 400 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 400 | |
| Make | Citroen | Ferrari |
| Model | DS | 400 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 118 L |
