1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 1959 Citroen DS
To start off, 1978 Alpine A 310 is newer by 19 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 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Alpine A 310 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen DS weights approximately 144 kg more than 1978 Alpine A 310.
Because 1978 Alpine A 310 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 1978 Alpine A 310. 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, 1978 Alpine A 310 (208 Nm) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1978 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alpine A 310 | 1959 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Alpine | Citroen |
| Model | A 310 | DS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 3130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 63 L |
