1968 Citroen DS vs. 1980 Renault 12
To start off, 1980 Renault 12 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Citroen DS (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1980 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1980 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Citroen DS weights approximately 310 kg more than 1980 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1968 Citroen DS (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Citroen DS | 1980 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Citroen | Renault |
| Model | DS | 12 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 56 L |
