1960 Citroen DS vs. 2003 Noble M12
To start off, 2003 Noble M12 is newer by 43 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 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Noble M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Noble M12 (335 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 261 more horse power than 1960 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Noble M12 should accelerate faster than 1960 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Citroen DS weights approximately 270 kg more than 2003 Noble M12.
Because 2003 Noble M12 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 2003 Noble M12. 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, 2003 Noble M12 (485 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 348 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Citroen DS. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Noble M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Citroen DS | 2003 Noble M12 | |
| Make | Citroen | Noble |
| Model | DS | M12 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 2966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 485 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| 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 | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2440 mm |
