1972 Citroen DS vs. 1976 Ferrari 512 BB
To start off, 1976 Ferrari 512 BB is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Citroen DS would be higher. At 4,942 cc, 1976 Ferrari 512 BB is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ferrari 512 BB (355 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 1972 Citroen DS. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ferrari 512 BB should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ferrari 512 BB 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 1976 Ferrari 512 BB 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 1976 Ferrari 512 BB. 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, 1976 Ferrari 512 BB (460 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 277 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen DS. (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Ferrari 512 BB will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen DS | 1976 Ferrari 512 BB | |
| Make | Citroen | Ferrari |
| Model | DS | 512 BB |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2347 cc | 4942 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 82 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 | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 110 L |
