1971 Citroen DS vs. 1985 Ferrari 400
To start off, 1985 Ferrari 400 is newer by 14 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 4,822 cc (12 cylinders), 1985 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ferrari 400 (306 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1971 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 618 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 1985 Ferrari 400 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 1985 Ferrari 400. 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, 1985 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen DS | 1985 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | Citroen | Ferrari |
| Model | DS | 400 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 4822 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2710 mm |
