1973 Citroen DS vs. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1973 Citroen DS is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,267 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Citroen DS (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 90 kg more than 1973 Citroen DS.
Because 1955 Sunbeam Alpine 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 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1955 Sunbeam Alpine (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen DS. (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1955 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Citroen DS | 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Citroen | Sunbeam |
| Model | DS | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 2267 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2480 mm |
