1959 Citroen DS vs. 2005 BMW 318
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 46 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 318 weights approximately 267 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 2005 BMW 318 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 2005 BMW 318. 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, 2005 BMW 318 (201 Nm) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 2005 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS. 2005 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1959 Citroen DS has manual transmission. 1959 Citroen DS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen DS | 2005 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Citroen | BMW |
| Model | DS | 318 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
