1973 Citroen DS vs. 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1973 Citroen DS is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Citroen DS (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (39 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen DS weights approximately 390 kg more than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 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 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 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, 1973 Citroen DS (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1973 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Citroen DS | 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
Model | DS | Karmann-Ghia |
Year Released | 1973 | 1956 |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1192 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 103 HP | 39 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Torque | 152 Nm | 88 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 77 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 64 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4150 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2410 mm |