1959 Citroen 2CV vs. 1971 Renault 17
To start off, 1971 Renault 17 is newer by 12 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 1,565 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Renault 17 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Renault 17 (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (13 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Renault 17 should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Renault 17 weights approximately 455 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.
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, 1971 Renault 17 (133 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (24 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Renault 17 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen 2CV | 1971 Renault 17 | |
| Make | Citroen | Renault |
| Model | 2CV | 17 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 425 cc | 1565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 13 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 62 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 600 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3610 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2440 mm |
