1956 Citroen DS vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 42 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 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (75 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 490 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1956 Citroen DS has manual transmission. 1956 Citroen DS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Citroen DS | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DS | SL |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
