1969 Citroen DS vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 1980 Ford Escort is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Citroen DS (102 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Citroen DS weights approximately 300 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Ford Escort 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 1980 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 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, 1969 Citroen DS (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1969 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Citroen DS | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | DS | Escort |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 53 L |
