1996 BMW 540 vs. 1956 Citroen DS
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 40 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (75 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 415 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 1996 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 1996 BMW 540. 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm) has 303 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1956 Citroen DS has manual transmission. 1956 Citroen DS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 1956 Citroen DS | |
Make | BMW | Citroen |
Model | 540 | DS |
Year Released | 1996 | 1956 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1911 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 75 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 137 Nm |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 78 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 100 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1320 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1530 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3140 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |