1971 Citroen DS vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1981 Nissan Skyline is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Skyline (111 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1971 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen DS weights approximately 127 kg more than 1981 Nissan Skyline.
Because 1981 Nissan Skyline 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 1981 Nissan Skyline. 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, 1981 Nissan Skyline (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen DS | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Citroen | Nissan |
| Model | DS | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2620 mm |
