1972 Citroen DS vs. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 37 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 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1972 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 715 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 2009 Mercury Mountaineer 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 2009 Mercury Mountaineer. 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, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen DS | 2009 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercury |
| Model | DS | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 4009 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2890 mm |
