1974 Alfa Romeo GTV vs. 1973 Citroen DS
To start off, 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV is newer by 1 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, 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV (131 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1973 Citroen DS. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen DS weights approximately 166 kg more than 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV.
Because 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV 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 GTV. 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, 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen DS. (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV | 1973 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Citroen |
| Model | GTV | DS |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 3130 mm |
