1970 Citroen DS vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Citroen DS would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 516 more horse power than 1970 Citroen DS. (102 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1970 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 615 kg more than 1970 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 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 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 629 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Citroen DS | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DS | SLR McLaren |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 780 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2710 mm |
