1971 Citroen DS vs. 1955 Fiat 1100
To start off, 1971 Citroen DS is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Fiat 1100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Fiat 1100 would be higher. 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 63 more horse power than 1955 Fiat 1100. (35 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1955 Fiat 1100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen DS weights approximately 397 kg more than 1955 Fiat 1100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Fiat 1100 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 1955 Fiat 1100. 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 @ 3500 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fiat 1100. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fiat 1100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen DS | 1955 Fiat 1100 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | DS | 1100 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1089 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 68 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 74.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2340 mm |
