1959 Citroen DS vs. 1997 Honda NSX
To start off, 1997 Honda NSX is newer by 38 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda NSX weights approximately 178 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 1997 Honda NSX 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 1997 Honda NSX. 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, 1997 Honda NSX (304 Nm) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1997 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen DS | 1997 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Citroen | Honda |
| Model | DS | NSX |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1498 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
