1962 AC Cobra vs. 1973 Citroen DS
To start off, 1973 Citroen DS is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,265 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 AC Cobra (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1973 Citroen DS. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen DS weights approximately 226 kg more than 1962 AC Cobra.
Because 1962 AC Cobra 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 1962 AC Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1962 AC Cobra (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen DS. (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1962 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 AC Cobra | 1973 Citroen DS | |
| Make | AC | Citroen |
| Model | Cobra | DS |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 3130 mm |
