Citroen ID/DS Break

vs

Citroen GS

France vs France — 1955 vs 1970

Citroen ID/DS Break (1955)
Citroen GS (1970)
Specifications
ID/DS Break Safari EstateGS Birotor
Horsepower109 hp107 hp
Torque116 lb-ft100 lb-ft
Engine Size2,175 cc1,990 cc
0-60 mph13.5 sec13.5 sec
Top Speed109 mph109 mph
¼ Mile19.0 sec19.2 sec
Weight3,020 lbs2,425 lbs
Wheelbase3,125 mm2,550 mm
Length4,870 mm4,120 mm
Units Produced48,160847
Value (Excellent)$80,000$120,000
Collectibility8/109/10
Rarity7/1010/10
The Verdict

The 1970 Citroen GS Birotor emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, lighter weight, greater rarity. The 1955 Citroen ID/DS Break Safari Estate counters with better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.

Overview

The 1955 Citroen ID/DS Break Safari Estate and 1970 Citroen GS Birotor share a manufacturer in Citroen, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Citroen brand. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1955 Citroen ID/DS Break Safari Estate producing 109 hp and the 1970 Citroen GS Birotor delivering 107 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Citroen ID/DS Break uses a Inline-4 OHV displacing 2,175 cc, while the Citroen GS relies on a Twin-rotor Wankel with 1,990 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1970 Citroen GS Birotor edges ahead at 13.5 seconds versus 13.5 seconds. The Citroen GS carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 595 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 847 units built, the 1970 Citroen GS Birotor is considerably scarcer than the Citroen ID/DS Break's 48,160 examples.