1971 Citroen DS vs. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1983 Vauxhall Carlton 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Vauxhall Carlton (101 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1971 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen DS weights approximately 37 kg more than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton.
Because 1983 Vauxhall Carlton 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 Vauxhall Carlton. 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 Vauxhall Carlton (156 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen DS | 1983 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Citroen | Vauxhall |
| Model | DS | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2680 mm |
