1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1968 Citroen DS
To start off, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1968 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1968 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Citroen DS weights approximately 210 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, 1968 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, 1968 Citroen DS (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1968 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1968 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Citroen |
| Model | Spider | DS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3130 mm |
