1972 Citroen DS vs. 1966 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 1972 Citroen DS is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 6,375 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Pontiac GTO (366 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 1972 Citroen DS. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 128 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 1966 Pontiac GTO 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 Pontiac GTO. 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, 1966 Pontiac GTO (575 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 392 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen DS. (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1966 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen DS | 1966 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Citroen | Pontiac |
| Model | DS | GTO |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2347 cc | 6375 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 366 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 575 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1272 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2930 mm |
