1974 Alfa Romeo Alfetta vs. 1959 Citroen DS
To start off, 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfetta is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfetta (109 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfetta should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen DS weights approximately 322 kg more than 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfetta.
Because 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfetta 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 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 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, 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfetta (141 Nm) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfetta | 1959 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Citroen |
| Model | Alfetta | DS |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 998 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 63 L |
