1977 Bristol 412 vs. 1959 Citroen DS
To start off, 1977 Bristol 412 is newer by 18 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 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Bristol 412 (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Bristol 412 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1959 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Bristol 412. 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, 1977 Bristol 412 (366 Nm) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1977 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Bristol 412 | 1959 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Bristol | Citroen |
| Model | 412 | DS |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 78.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3140 mm |
