1972 Citroen DS vs. 1966 Fiat 850
To start off, 1972 Citroen DS is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 2,347 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Citroen DS (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1966 Fiat 850. (41 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1966 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Citroen DS weights approximately 546 kg more than 1966 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Fiat 850 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 1966 Fiat 850. 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, 1972 Citroen DS (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Fiat 850. (60 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1972 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen DS | 1966 Fiat 850 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | DS | 850 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2347 cc | 843 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 41 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 726 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 30 L |
