2003 BMW 320 vs. 1956 Citroen DS
To start off, 2003 BMW 320 is newer by 47 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 320 (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (75 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 320 weights approximately 268 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 2003 BMW 320 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 2003 BMW 320. 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, 2003 BMW 320 (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS. 2003 BMW 320 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. 2003 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 320 | 1956 Citroen DS | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 320 | DS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 142 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1237 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 3130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
