1959 Citroen DS vs. 1985 Skoda L
To start off, 1985 Skoda L is newer by 26 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 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Citroen DS (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1985 Skoda L. (62 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1985 Skoda L. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen DS weights approximately 430 kg more than 1985 Skoda L. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Skoda L 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 1985 Skoda L. 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, 1959 Citroen DS (137 Nm) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Skoda L. (103 Nm). This means 1959 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Skoda L.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen DS | 1985 Skoda L | |
| Make | Citroen | Skoda |
| Model | DS | L |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2410 mm |
