1959 Citroen DS vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 38 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 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 641 kg more than 1959 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (468 Nm) has 331 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen DS | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DS | SL |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 4971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 468 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 1769 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
