2001 BMW 318 vs. 1956 Citroen DS
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 45 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 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 318 (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (65 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 318 weights approximately 182 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 2001 BMW 318 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 2001 BMW 318. 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, 2001 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (133 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1956 Citroen DS | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 318 | DS |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 65 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1258 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
