1970 Citroen GS vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Citroen GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Citroen GS would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (518 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 464 more horse power than 1970 Citroen GS. (54 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1970 Citroen GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 1060 kg more than 1970 Citroen GS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Citroen GS, 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (699 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 629 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Citroen GS. (70 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Citroen GS. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1970 Citroen GS has manual transmission. 1970 Citroen GS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Citroen GS | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GS | CLS |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1015 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 80 L |
