1973 Citroen DS vs. 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Citroen DS would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis (148 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1973 Citroen DS. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 540 kg more than 1973 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 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 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen DS. (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Citroen DS | 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercury |
| Model | DS | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2920 mm |
