1973 Citroen DS vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 37 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1973 Citroen DS. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 110 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 2010 BMW 120 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 2010 BMW 120. 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, 2010 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen DS. (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Citroen DS | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Citroen | BMW |
| Model | DS | 120 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2670 mm |
