1972 Citroen DS vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Citroen DS would be higher. At 2,497 cc (5 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Citroen DS (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. (94 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 weights approximately 98 kg more than 1972 Citroen DS.
Because 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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, 1972 Citroen DS (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. (158 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1972 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen DS | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DS | 250 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2347 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1272 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2810 mm |
