1972 Citroen DS vs. 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 36 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 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis (224 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1972 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 626 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 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis 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 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis. 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, 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis (369 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen DS | 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercury |
| Model | DS | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 369 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1836 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2920 mm |
