1957 Citroen DS vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Citroen DS would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1957 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1957 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 390 kg more than 1957 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis 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 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1957 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, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (353 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Citroen DS. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Citroen DS | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercury |
| Model | DS | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2910 mm |
