1976 Bristol 412 vs. 1956 Citroen DS
To start off, 1976 Bristol 412 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Citroen DS would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Bristol 412 (208 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (75 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 412 weights approximately 473 kg more than 1956 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Bristol 412 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 1976 Bristol 412. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1956 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, 1976 Bristol 412 (422 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS. 1976 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1956 Citroen DS has manual transmission. 1956 Citroen DS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 412 | 1956 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Bristol | Citroen |
| Model | 412 | DS |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 142 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1237 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3130 mm |
