1971 Citroen GS vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Citroen GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Citroen GS would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1971 Citroen GS. (55 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 870 kg more than 1971 Citroen GS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen GS. (72 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen GS | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GS | SL |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1015 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 59 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 80 L |
