1972 Citroen DS vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 41 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (238 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1972 Citroen DS. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 359 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 2013 BMW 3 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Citroen DS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (350 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen DS. (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen DS | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Citroen | BMW |
| Model | DS | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2347 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10:01 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1272 kg | 1631 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1434 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 60 L |
