1957 Citroen DS vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 40 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1957 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1957 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Citroen DS weights approximately 50 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Because 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Citroen DS. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Citroen DS | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DS | SLK |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2410 mm |
