1956 Citroen 2CV vs. 1965 Pontiac Catalina
To start off, 1965 Pontiac Catalina is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 6,891 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Pontiac Catalina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Pontiac Catalina (376 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 366 more horse power than 1956 Citroen 2CV. (10 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Pontiac Catalina should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Pontiac Catalina weights approximately 1390 kg more than 1956 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 Pontiac Catalina 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 1965 Pontiac Catalina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1956 Citroen 2CV, 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, 1965 Pontiac Catalina (625 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 603 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen 2CV. (22 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1965 Pontiac Catalina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen 2CV. 1965 Pontiac Catalina has automatic transmission and 1956 Citroen 2CV has manual transmission. 1956 Citroen 2CV will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 Pontiac Catalina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Citroen 2CV | 1965 Pontiac Catalina | |
| Make | Citroen | Pontiac |
| Model | 2CV | Catalina |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 374 cc | 6891 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Horse Power | 10 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 22 Nm | 625 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 103.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 62 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 495 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3080 mm |
