1959 Citroen 2CV vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE (169 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (12 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 965 kg more than 1959 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE 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 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Citroen 2CV, 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (25 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen 2CV | 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 2CV | SE |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 423 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 12 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 25 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 495 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19 L | 65 L |
