1972 Citroen DS vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima is newer by 37 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 2,491 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1972 Citroen DS. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 282 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.
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, 2009 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen DS. (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen DS | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Citroen | Nissan |
| Model | DS | Altima |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2347 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1272 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 76 L |
