1960 Citroen Bijou vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 48 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 498 more horse power than 1960 Citroen Bijou. (12 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1960 Citroen Bijou. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1386 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 2008 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 807 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Citroen Bijou. (23 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Citroen Bijou. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1960 Citroen Bijou has manual transmission. 1960 Citroen Bijou will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Citroen Bijou | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Bijou | SL |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 424 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Horse Power | 12 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 23 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 564 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19 L | 80 L |
