1972 Citroen DS vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 40 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 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (432 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 318 more horse power than 1972 Citroen DS. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 948 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (700 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 517 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen DS. (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen DS | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DS | CL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2347 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 432 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1272 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 90 L |
