2001 Citroen C5 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2001 Citroen C5 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 2001 Citroen C5. (207 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2001 Citroen C5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 692 kg more than 2001 Citroen C5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Citroen C5, 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Citroen C5. (285 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Citroen C5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Citroen C5 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C5 | S |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2946 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1548 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2890 mm |
