1966 Citroen DS vs. 1961 Fiat 850
To start off, 1966 Citroen DS is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 2,175 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Citroen DS (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Citroen DS weights approximately 773 kg more than 1961 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Fiat 850 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 1961 Fiat 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 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, 1966 Citroen DS (164 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 850. (69 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1966 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Citroen DS | 1961 Fiat 850 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | DS | 850 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2175 cc | 847 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 69 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 164 km/hour | 153 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 613 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 3290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 38 L |
