1972 Citroen DS vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 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 44 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Citroen DS weights approximately 477 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen DS | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | DS | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2347 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1272 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2410 mm |
