1972 Citroen DS vs. 1979 Fiat 131
To start off, 1979 Fiat 131 is newer by 7 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 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Citroen DS (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Citroen DS weights approximately 62 kg more than 1979 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Fiat 131 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 1979 Fiat 131. 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 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1972 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
1972 Citroen DS | 1979 Fiat 131 | |
Make | Citroen | Fiat |
Model | DS | 131 |
Year Released | 1972 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2347 cc | 2443 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 114 HP | 71 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 183 Nm | 152 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 93 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 22.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1272 kg | 1210 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4270 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2500 mm |