1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1960 Citroen DS
To start off, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 21 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, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1960 Citroen DS. (82 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1960 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Citroen DS weights approximately 284 kg more than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. 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, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider (145 Nm) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1960 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Citroen |
| Model | Spider | DS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1960 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3140 mm |
