1956 Citroen DS vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 37 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 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (75 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 308 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 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (260 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Citroen DS | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DS | 280 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 142 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1237 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
