1978 BMW M1 vs. 1956 Citroen DS
To start off, 1978 BMW M1 is newer by 22 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 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (75 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Citroen DS weights approximately 20 kg more than 1978 BMW M1.
Because 1978 BMW M1 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 M1. 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, 1978 BMW M1 (330 Nm) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1956 Citroen DS | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | M1 | DS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 100 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 63 L |
