1967 Citroen DS vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 Citroen DS would be higher. At 5,584 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 312 more horse power than 1967 Citroen DS. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1967 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1967 Citroen DS weights approximately 300 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
Because 1997 Volkswagen W12 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 1997 Volkswagen W12. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1967 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 353 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Citroen DS. (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1967 Citroen DS | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | DS | W12 |
| Year Released | 1967 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2175 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
