1960 Citroen Bijou vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Citroen Bijou. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Citroen Bijou would be higher. At 2,308 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1960 Citroen Bijou. (12 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1960 Citroen Bijou. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 954 kg more than 1960 Citroen Bijou. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 230. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1960 Citroen Bijou, 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 230 (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Citroen Bijou. (23 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Citroen Bijou.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Citroen Bijou | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Bijou | 230 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 424 cc | 2308 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 12 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 23 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 62 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 564 kg | 1518 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 5340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 3400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19 L | 64 L |
