1959 Citroen DS vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 45 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 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (115 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 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 120 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (166 Nm) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | DS | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
