1988 BMW M5 vs. 1956 Citroen DS
To start off, 1988 BMW M5 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Citroen DS would be higher. At 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 236 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (75 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 413 kg more than 1956 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW M5 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 M5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1956 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 M5 (360 Nm) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 1956 Citroen DS | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | M5 | DS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 100 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3140 mm |
