1972 Citroen DS vs. 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa
To start off, 1972 Citroen DS is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa would be higher. At 2,347 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1972 Citroen DS. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Citroen DS weights approximately 592 kg more than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa.
Because 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa 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 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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, 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa (205 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen DS. (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen DS | 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa | |
| Make | Citroen | Ferrari |
| Model | DS | 500 Testarossa |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2347 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1272 kg | 680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 88 L |
