1972 BMW 3 vs. 1959 Citroen DS
To start off, 1972 BMW 3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Citroen DS would be higher. At 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 142 kg more than 1959 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 BMW 3 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 1972 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 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, 1972 BMW 3 (272 Nm) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1959 Citroen DS | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 3 | DS |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 100 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
