1972 Citroen DS vs. 2002 Honda NSX
To start off, 2002 Honda NSX is newer by 30 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 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda NSX (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1972 Citroen DS. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda NSX weights approximately 162 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 2002 Honda NSX 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 2002 Honda NSX. 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, 2002 Honda NSX (287 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen DS. (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen DS | 2002 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Citroen | Honda |
| Model | DS | NSX |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2347 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 86 mm |
| 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 | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
