1971 Citroen DS vs. 1968 Ford Escort
To start off, 1971 Citroen DS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort 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 16 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (82 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen DS weights approximately 407 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Ford Escort. 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 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (102 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen DS | 1968 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | DS | Escort |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2410 mm |
