France vs France — 1934 vs 1948
| Traction Avant 11CV Normale | Traction Avant 15-Six H | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 56 hp | 77 hp |
| Torque | 89 lb-ft | 123 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,911 cc | 2,867 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 21.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 73 mph | 81 mph |
| Weight | 2,249 lbs | 2,976 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,910 mm | 3,100 mm |
| Length | 4,450 mm | 4,750 mm |
| Units Produced | 759,123 | 26,400 |
| Value (Excellent) | $50,000 | $55,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1934 Citroen Traction Avant 11CV Normale brings lighter weight, stronger collectibility, better value to the table, and the 1948 Citroën Traction Avant 15-Six H answers with more power, higher top speed, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Citroen Traction Avant. The 1934 and 1948 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1948 Citroën Traction Avant 15-Six H holds a clear advantage in raw power with 77 hp compared to 56 hp, a 21-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Citroen Traction Avant uses a Inline-4 OHV displacing 1,911 cc, while the Citroën Traction Avant relies on a Inline-6 OHV with 2,867 cc. The 1948 Citroën Traction Avant 15-Six H claims a higher top speed at 81 mph compared to 73 mph. The Citroen Traction Avant carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 727 lbs lighter. 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 Citroen Traction Avant's 759,123 examples.