1972 Citroen DS vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is newer by 14 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 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (296 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 1972 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 538 kg more than 1972 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (464 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen DS | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DS | 560 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 464 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2850 mm |
