1959 Citroen DS vs. 1997 TVR Speed 12
To start off, 1997 TVR Speed 12 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 7,730 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 TVR Speed 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 TVR Speed 12 (800 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 726 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 TVR Speed 12 should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen DS weights approximately 126 kg more than 1997 TVR Speed 12.
Because 1997 TVR Speed 12 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 TVR Speed 12. 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 TVR Speed 12 (881 Nm) has 744 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1997 TVR Speed 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen DS | 1997 TVR Speed 12 | |
| Make | Citroen | TVR |
| Model | DS | Speed 12 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 7730 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 800 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 881 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 89 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2650 mm |
