1971 Citroen DS vs. 1957 Riley 1.5
To start off, 1971 Citroen DS is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Riley 1.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Riley 1.5 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 35 more horse power than 1957 Riley 1.5. (63 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1957 Riley 1.5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen DS weights approximately 277 kg more than 1957 Riley 1.5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Riley 1.5 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 1957 Riley 1.5. 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 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Riley 1.5. (112 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Riley 1.5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen DS | 1957 Riley 1.5 | |
| Make | Citroen | Riley |
| Model | DS | 1.5 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2190 mm |
