2009 Audi A8 vs. 1973 Citroen DS
To start off, 2009 Audi A8 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Citroen DS would be higher. At 4,163 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A8 (350 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1973 Citroen DS. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen DS weights approximately 46 kg more than 2009 Audi A8.
Because 2009 Audi A8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Citroen DS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi A8 will offer significantly more control. 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 A8 (441 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen DS. (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A8 | 1973 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Audi | Citroen |
| Model | A8 | DS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4163 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 441 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1164 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 3130 mm |
