2009 Citroen Xsara vs. 1973 Citroen DS
To start off, 2009 Citroen Xsara 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Citroen DS (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2009 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 2009 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 10 kg more than 1973 Citroen DS.
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 Citroen Xsara (205 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen DS. (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen Xsara | 1973 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Citroen | Citroen |
| Model | Xsara | DS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 3130 mm |
