1985 Citroen CX vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Citroen CX would be higher. At 2,961 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1985 Citroen CX. (168 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 196 kg more than 1985 Citroen CX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1991 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 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Citroen CX (300 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL. (272 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1985 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Citroen CX | 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CX | SL |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2961 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2520 mm |
