1963 BMW 1800 vs. 1959 Citroen DS
To start off, 1963 BMW 1800 is newer by 4 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, 1963 BMW 1800 (90 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 BMW 1800 should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen DS weights approximately 220 kg more than 1963 BMW 1800.
Because 1963 BMW 1800 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 1963 BMW 1800. 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, 1963 BMW 1800 (144 Nm) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1963 BMW 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 BMW 1800 | 1959 Citroen DS | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 1800 | DS |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 3140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 63 L |
