1973 Citroen DS vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 25 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1973 Citroen DS. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 82 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 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Citroen DS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen DS. (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Citroen DS | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | DS | Golf |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1292 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2520 mm |
