1978 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1972 Citroen DS
To start off, 1978 Chevrolet Nova is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Citroen DS would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Citroen DS (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 218 kg more than 1972 Citroen DS.
Because 1978 Chevrolet Nova 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 Chevrolet Nova. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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 Chevrolet Nova (258 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen DS. (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Nova | 1972 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Citroen |
| Model | Nova | DS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2347 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1272 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3130 mm |
