1974 Citroen CX vs. 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1974 Citroen CX is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1974 Citroen CX. (95 HP @ 3700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1974 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Citroen CX weights approximately 220 kg more than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Citroen CX, 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, 1974 Citroen CX (216 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1974 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen CX | 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CX | SL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2305 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 63 L |
