1956 Citroen DS vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1972 Mercury Cougar is newer by 16 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 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 516 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 1972 Mercury Cougar 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 1972 Mercury Cougar. 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, 1972 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Citroen DS | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercury |
| Model | DS | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1909 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2860 mm |
