1973 Citroen DS vs. 1987 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1987 Lancia Thema is newer by 14 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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lancia Thema (118 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1973 Citroen DS. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lancia Thema weights approximately 5 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1987 Lancia Thema (165 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen DS. (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Citroen DS | 1987 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Citroen | Lancia |
| Model | DS | Thema |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2710 mm |
