1967 Citroen DS vs. 2001 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 34 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (590 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 482 more horse power than 1967 Citroen DS. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 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 252 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen W12.
Because 2001 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 2001 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, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (620 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 443 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Citroen DS. (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 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 | 2001 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | DS | W12 |
| Year Released | 1967 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2175 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 590 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2520 mm |
