France vs France — 1948 vs 1955
| Traction Avant 15-Six H | DS 19 Berline | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 77 hp | 75 hp |
| Torque | 123 lb-ft | 105 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,867 cc | 1,911 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 21.5 sec | 16.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 81 mph | 90 mph |
| Weight | 2,976 lbs | 2,844 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,100 mm | 3,130 mm |
| Length | 4,750 mm | 4,870 mm |
| Units Produced | 26,400 | 1,455,746 |
| Original MSRP | — | $2,700 |
| Value (Excellent) | $55,000 | $65,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 5/10 |
Numbers favor the 1955 Citroën DS 19 Berline with quicker acceleration, higher top speed, stronger collectibility. The 1948 Citroën Traction Avant 15-Six H offers greater rarity, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Citroën has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1948 Citroën Traction Avant 15-Six H with the 1955 Citroën DS 19 Berline highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1948 Citroën Traction Avant 15-Six H producing 77 hp and the 1955 Citroën DS 19 Berline delivering 75 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Citroën Traction Avant uses a Inline-6 OHV displacing 2,867 cc, while the Citroën DS relies on a Inline-4 OHV with 1,911 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1955 Citroën DS 19 Berline edges ahead at 16.5 seconds versus 21.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 26,400 units built, the 1948 Citroën Traction Avant 15-Six H is considerably scarcer than the Citroën DS's 1,455,746 examples.