1978 BMW 725 vs. 1959 Citroen DS
To start off, 1978 BMW 725 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 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW 725 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 725 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 725 should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS.
Because 1978 BMW 725 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 BMW 725. 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 BMW 725 (215 Nm) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1978 BMW 725 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 725 | 1959 Citroen DS | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 725 | DS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 78.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 3140 mm |
