1989 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 1959 Citroen DS
To start off, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ is newer by 30 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 2,957 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen DS weights approximately 60 kg more than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ.
Because 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ 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 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. 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, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ (245 Nm) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ | 1959 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Citroen |
| Model | SZ | DS |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 78.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 63 L |
