1973 Citroen DS vs. 1996 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1996 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 23 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 2,616 cc, 1996 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1973 Citroen DS. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 92 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 1996 Mazda RX-7 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 1996 Mazda RX-7. 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, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen DS. (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Citroen DS | 1996 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | DS | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1302 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2430 mm |
