2003 BMW 520 vs. 1960 Citroen DS
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 43 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 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1960 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1960 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 545 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 2003 BMW 520 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 520. 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, 2003 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Citroen DS. (137 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1960 Citroen DS | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 520 | DS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3130 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
