1971 Citroen DS vs. 1983 Opel Senator
To start off, 1983 Opel Senator is newer by 12 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 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Opel Senator (114 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1971 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Opel Senator weights approximately 108 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 1983 Opel Senator 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 1983 Opel Senator. 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, 1983 Opel Senator (186 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen DS | 1983 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | DS | Senator |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 2197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 77.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2690 mm |
