1962 Alpine A 108 vs. 1959 Citroen DS
To start off, 1962 Alpine A 108 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Citroen DS (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1962 Alpine A 108. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1962 Alpine A 108. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen DS weights approximately 725 kg more than 1962 Alpine A 108. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Alpine A 108 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 Alpine A 108. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 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, 1959 Citroen DS (137 Nm) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Alpine A 108. (58 Nm). This means 1959 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Alpine A 108.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Alpine A 108 | 1959 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Alpine | Citroen |
| Model | A 108 | DS |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 78.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 3140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 63 L |
