1973 Citroen DS vs. 2008 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2008 Kia Sportage is newer by 35 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 (4 cylinders), 2008 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Sportage (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1973 Citroen DS. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sportage weights approximately 550 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 2008 Kia Sportage 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, 2008 Kia Sportage 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, 2008 Kia Sportage (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen DS. (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Citroen DS | 2008 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Citroen | Kia |
| Model | DS | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2640 mm |
