1973 Citroen DS vs. 1980 Renault 5
To start off, 1980 Renault 5 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Renault 5 (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1973 Citroen DS. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen DS weights approximately 240 kg more than 1980 Renault 5.
Because 1980 Renault 5 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 Renault 5. 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 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen DS. (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Citroen DS | 1980 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Citroen | Renault |
| Model | DS | 5 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2590 mm |
