1972 Citroen DS vs. 1983 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1983 Ford Fairlane is newer by 11 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 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ford Fairlane (131 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1972 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 420 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 1983 Ford Fairlane 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 1983 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1983 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen DS | 1983 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | DS | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2950 mm |
