2009 BMW M3 vs. 1956 Citroen DS
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 53 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 349 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (65 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 62 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 2009 BMW M3 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 2009 BMW M3. 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (133 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1956 Citroen DS | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | M3 | DS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 65 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1258 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
