1956 Citroen 15 vs. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S
To start off, 1956 Citroen 15 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1956 Citroen 15. (76 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen 15. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S weights approximately 415 kg more than 1956 Citroen 15. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S 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 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1956 Citroen 15, 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, 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S (230 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen 15. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen 15.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Citroen 15 | 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 15 | 300S |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2867 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.2:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2910 mm |
