1956 Citroen DS vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 50 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 428 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (65 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 627 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 668 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (133 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Citroen DS | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DS | CL |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 65 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 801 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 87 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1258 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
