1971 Citroen DS vs. 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 1971 Citroen DS is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 2,195 cc (6 cylinders), 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE (118 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1971 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 163 kg more than 1971 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE 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 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 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, 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen DS | 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DS | SE |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 2195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2760 mm |
