1959 Citroen DS vs. 1981 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1981 Jaguar XJS 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 5,344 cc (12 cylinders), 1981 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Jaguar XJS (299 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 579 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 Jaguar XJS 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 Jaguar XJS. 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 Jaguar XJS (431 Nm) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS. 1981 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 1959 Citroen DS has manual transmission. 1959 Citroen DS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Jaguar XJS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen DS | 1981 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Citroen | Jaguar |
| Model | DS | XJS |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 5344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 299 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 1707 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
