1990 BMW 518 vs. 1956 Citroen DS
To start off, 1990 BMW 518 is newer by 34 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 1,909 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 518 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 518 weights approximately 220 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 1990 BMW 518 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 1990 BMW 518. 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, 1990 BMW 518 (161 Nm) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1990 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 1956 Citroen DS | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 518 | DS |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1909 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 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 | 1360 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
