1983 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1959 Citroen DS
To start off, 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,962 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen DS weights approximately 280 kg more than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 1983 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 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 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, 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider (183 Nm) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1959 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Citroen |
| Model | Spider | DS |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 78.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 63 L |
