1956 Citroen DS vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 56 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 2,034 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (134 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (65 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1572 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (133 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Citroen DS | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DS | A |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 2034 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 65 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1258 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
