2006 Citroen C5 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 Citroen C5 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2006 Citroen C5. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2006 Citroen C5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 3 kg more than 2006 Citroen C5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Citroen C5 (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Citroen C5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Citroen C5 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C5 | S |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1607 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 85 L |
