1960 Citroen DS vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1960 Citroen DS is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1960 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Citroen DS (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1960 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Citroen DS weights approximately 580 kg more than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Volkswagen Beetle 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 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1960 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, 1960 Citroen DS (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1960 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Citroen DS | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | DS | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 42 L |
