1989 BMW 850 vs. 1959 Citroen DS
To start off, 1989 BMW 850 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 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 850 weights approximately 472 kg more than 1959 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 BMW 850 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 BMW 850. 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 BMW 850 (450 Nm) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 1959 Citroen DS | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 850 | DS |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 78.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 63 L |
