1971 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1971 Citroen DS
To start off, both 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider and 1971 Citroen DS were released in the same year (1971). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Citroen DS (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen DS weights approximately 232 kg more than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 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, 1971 Citroen DS (151 Nm) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (121 Nm). This means 1971 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1971 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Citroen |
| Model | Spider | DS |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1287 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1212 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3130 mm |
