1966 Citroen DS vs. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1966 Citroen DS is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,195 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 (118 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1966 Citroen DS. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 should accelerate faster than 1966 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Citroen DS weights approximately 150 kg more than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Because 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 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 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 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, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Citroen DS. (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Citroen DS | 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DS | 220 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2175 cc | 2195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 70 L |
