1983 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1970 Citroen DS
To start off, 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1970 Citroen DS. (102 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1970 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Citroen DS weights approximately 170 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, 1970 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 @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1970 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Citroen |
| Model | Spider | DS |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3130 mm |
