1988 BMW M3 vs. 1959 Citroen DS
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 29 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 2,302 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen DS weights approximately 24 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
Because 1988 BMW M3 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 1988 BMW M3. 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, 1988 BMW M3 (230 Nm) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1959 Citroen DS | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | M3 | DS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 78.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 63 L |
