1956 Citroen DS vs. 1954 Mercedes-Benz Ponton
To start off, 1956 Citroen DS is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Mercedes-Benz Ponton would be higher. At 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Citroen DS (65 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1954 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. (39 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1954 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Citroen DS weights approximately 48 kg more than 1954 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 Mercedes-Benz Ponton 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 1954 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. 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, 1956 Citroen DS (133 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. (100 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1956 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Mercedes-Benz Ponton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Citroen DS | 1954 Mercedes-Benz Ponton | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DS | Ponton |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 1767 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 65 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1258 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2660 mm |
