1973 Citroen DS vs. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Citroen DS 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 54 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen DS weights approximately 340 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 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 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Citroen DS | 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
Model | DS | Karmann-Ghia |
Year Released | 1973 | 1974 |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1584 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 103 HP | 49 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 152 Nm | 108 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 870 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2430 mm |