1966 Citroen DS vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Citroen DS would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (231 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1966 Citroen DS. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1966 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 104 kg more than 1966 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Citroen DS. (164 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Citroen DS. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1966 Citroen DS has manual transmission. 1966 Citroen DS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Citroen DS | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DS | 300 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2175 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2810 mm |
