1985 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1965 Citroen DS
To start off, 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Citroen DS would be higher. At 2,175 cc (4 cylinders), 1965 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1965 Citroen DS. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1965 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Citroen DS weights approximately 289 kg more than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 1985 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 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1965 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, both vehicles can yield 178 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1965 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Citroen |
| Model | Spider | DS |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1960 cc | 2175 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1161 kg | 1450 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 | 43 L |
