1960 Citroen DS vs. 1975 Fiat 500
To start off, 1975 Fiat 500 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 1960 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Citroen DS (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1975 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1960 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1975 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Citroen DS weights approximately 615 kg more than 1975 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 Fiat 500 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 1975 Fiat 500. 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 @ 1800 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1960 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Citroen DS | 1975 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | DS | 500 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 22 L |
