Citroen 2CV

vs

Citroen Traction Avant

France vs France — 1948 vs 1934

Citroen 2CV (1948)
Citroen Traction Avant (1934)
Specifications
2CV 6Traction Avant 11CV Normale
Horsepower29 hp56 hp
Torque29 lb-ft89 lb-ft
Engine Size602 cc1,911 cc
Top Speed71 mph73 mph
Weight1,235 lbs2,249 lbs
Wheelbase2,400 mm2,910 mm
Length3,830 mm4,450 mm
Units Produced5,114,969759,123
Original MSRP$1,200
Value (Excellent)$35,000$50,000
Collectibility8/108/10
Rarity3/105/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1948 Citroen 2CV 6 brings lighter weight, better value to the table, and the 1934 Citroen Traction Avant 11CV Normale 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.

Overview

Citroen has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1948 Citroen 2CV 6 with the 1934 Citroen Traction Avant 11CV Normale highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1934 Citroen Traction Avant 11CV Normale holds a clear advantage in raw power with 56 hp compared to 29 hp, a 27-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Citroen 2CV uses a Flat-2 Air-Cooled displacing 602 cc, while the Citroen Traction Avant relies on a Inline-4 OHV with 1,911 cc. The 1934 Citroen Traction Avant 11CV Normale claims a higher top speed at 73 mph compared to 71 mph. The Citroen 2CV carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1014 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 759,123 units built, the 1934 Citroen Traction Avant 11CV Normale is considerably scarcer than the Citroen 2CV's 5,114,969 examples.