1972 Citroen DS vs. 1978 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1978 Vauxhall Chevette is newer by 6 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 58 more horse power than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Citroen DS weights approximately 417 kg more than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Vauxhall Chevette 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 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. 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 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1972 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen DS | 1978 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Citroen | Vauxhall |
| Model | DS | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2347 cc | 1255 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1272 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 45 L |
