1973 Citroen DS vs. 1961 Lancia Flavia
To start off, 1973 Citroen DS is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Lancia Flavia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Lancia Flavia 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 27 more horse power than 1961 Lancia Flavia. (76 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1961 Lancia Flavia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen DS weights approximately 20 kg more than 1961 Lancia Flavia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Lancia Flavia 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 1961 Lancia Flavia. 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 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Lancia Flavia. (115 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1973 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Lancia Flavia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Citroen DS | 1961 Lancia Flavia | |
| Make | Citroen | Lancia |
| Model | DS | Flavia |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2660 mm |
