1960 Citroen DS vs. 1983 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1983 Lancia Beta is newer by 23 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lancia Beta (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1960 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1960 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Citroen DS weights approximately 276 kg more than 1983 Lancia Beta.
Because 1983 Lancia Beta 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 1983 Lancia Beta. 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, 1983 Lancia Beta (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Citroen DS. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Citroen DS | 1983 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Citroen | Lancia |
| Model | DS | Beta |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1044 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 59 L |
