1979 Chrysler 1609 vs. 1960 Citroen DS
To start off, 1979 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1960 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Chrysler 1609 (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1960 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1960 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Citroen DS weights approximately 220 kg more than 1979 Chrysler 1609.
Because 1979 Chrysler 1609 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 1979 Chrysler 1609. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1960 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, 1979 Chrysler 1609 (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Citroen DS. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Chrysler 1609 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Chrysler 1609 | 1960 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Chrysler | Citroen |
| Model | 1609 | DS |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1811 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 3140 mm |
