1959 Citroen DS vs. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 42 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, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen DS weights approximately 135 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle.
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, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen DS | 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | DS | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
