2009 Audi A3 vs. 1972 Citroen DS
To start off, 2009 Audi A3 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A3 (197 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1972 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Citroen DS weights approximately 280 kg more than 2009 Audi A3.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Audi A3 (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A3 | 1972 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Audi | Citroen |
| Model | A3 | DS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1948 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3130 mm |
