1956 Citroen DS vs. 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Citroen DS would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 246 kg more than 1956 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 (271 Nm) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Citroen DS | 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DS | 300 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1909 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 100 L |
