1971 Citroen DS vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 17 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 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (192 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1971 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 153 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen DS | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Citroen | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | DS | 164 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2670 mm |
