1972 Citroen DS vs. 1971 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1972 Citroen DS is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Cortina 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 58 more horse power than 1971 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Citroen DS weights approximately 327 kg more than 1971 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Ford Cortina 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 1971 Ford Cortina. 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 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen DS | 1971 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | DS | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2347 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1272 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
