1959 Citroen DS vs. 1996 Acura RL
To start off, 1996 Acura RL is newer by 37 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 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Acura RL weights approximately 355 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Acura RL (304 Nm) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1996 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen DS | 1996 Acura RL | |
| Make | Citroen | Acura |
| Model | DS | RL |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
