1992 BMW 540 vs. 1960 Citroen DS
To start off, 1992 BMW 540 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Citroen DS would be higher. At 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1960 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1960 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 596 kg more than 1960 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1992 BMW 540 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 1992 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1960 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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Citroen DS. (137 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Citroen DS. 1992 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1960 Citroen DS has manual transmission. 1960 Citroen DS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1992 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 1960 Citroen DS | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 540 | DS |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1721 kg | 1125 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 Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
