1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 1972 Citroen DS
To start off, 1981 Buick LeSabre is newer by 9 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Buick LeSabre (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1972 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 380 kg more than 1972 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Buick LeSabre 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 Buick LeSabre. 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, 1981 Buick LeSabre (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick LeSabre | 1972 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Buick | Citroen |
| Model | LeSabre | DS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3130 mm |
