1971 Citroen DS vs. 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE
To start off, 1971 Citroen DS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE would be higher. At 2,951 cc (12 cylinders), 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE (235 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1971 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE weights approximately 218 kg more than 1971 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE 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 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE. 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, 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE (245 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen DS | 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE | |
| Make | Citroen | Ferrari |
| Model | DS | 250 GTE |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 2951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 58.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2610 mm |
