1973 Citroen DS vs. 1980 Ferrari 208
To start off, 1980 Ferrari 208 is newer by 7 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 1,991 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Ferrari 208 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ferrari 208 (153 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1973 Citroen DS. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ferrari 208 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1973 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Ferrari 208 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 1980 Ferrari 208. 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, 1980 Ferrari 208 (171 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen DS. (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Ferrari 208 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Citroen DS | 1980 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | Citroen | Ferrari |
| Model | DS | 208 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2350 mm |
