1978 Buick Electra vs. 1957 Citroen DS
To start off, 1978 Buick Electra is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Citroen DS would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Electra (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1957 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1957 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 465 kg more than 1957 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Buick Electra 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 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1957 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 Buick Electra (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Citroen DS. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 1957 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Buick | Citroen |
| Model | Electra | DS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 3140 mm |
