1959 Citroen DS vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1980 Mercury Cougar is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Citroen DS would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercury Cougar (90 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen DS weights approximately 5 kg more than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Because 1980 Mercury Cougar 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 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 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, 1980 Mercury Cougar (164 Nm) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen DS | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercury |
| Model | DS | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2690 mm |
