1971 Citroen DS vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1979 Mercury Cougar is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Citroen DS would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercury Cougar (134 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1971 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 643 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 1979 Mercury Cougar 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 1979 Mercury Cougar. 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, 1979 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen DS | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercury |
| Model | DS | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2910 mm |
