1972 Citroen DS vs. 1961 Jensen 541
To start off, 1972 Citroen DS is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Jensen 541. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Jensen 541 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Jensen 541 (129 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1972 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Jensen 541 should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Jensen 541 weights approximately 265 kg more than 1972 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Jensen 541 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 1961 Jensen 541. 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, 1961 Jensen 541 (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1961 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen DS | 1961 Jensen 541 | |
| Make | Citroen | Jensen |
| Model | DS | 541 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 3993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 111.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2670 mm |
