1959 Citroen 2CV vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 21 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 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (12 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 1055 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 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (25 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen 2CV. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1959 Citroen 2CV has manual transmission. 1959 Citroen 2CV will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen 2CV | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 2CV | 280 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 423 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 12 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 25 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 495 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19 L | 90 L |
