NSU – M4 – DS62 comparison: consumption and acceleration tests (20 July 1964)

In this document

This document is a comparative test report referenced CR Labo-E. 3434, dated 20 July 1964 p. 51, comparing three vehicles designated NSU, M4 and DS62.

Weight and loads

The unladen weights recorded are 701 kg (NSU), 651 kg (M4) and 1247 kg (DS62). With a load of two people plus 50 kg, the totals reach 900, 850 and 1450 kg respectively p. 51.

Consumption at steady speed

A table details, for each vehicle, the consumption at different speed levels (from 32.4 to 158 km/h depending on the columns), with pairs of speed/consumption values p. 51. An initial value "13.50" appears crossed out, replaced by the following series of measurements.

Pick-up and gearbox ratios

"1000 RPM" times are given for gears 1 to 4, comparing the three vehicles in acceleration, starting from approximately 20 km/h p. 51.

3000 m test

(p. 51)

Standing starts

Over 1000, 2000 and 3000 m, the times and average speeds are recorded for each vehicle, for example 1000 m in 38"40 (Av 93.8) for NSU against 39.56 s (Av 91.5) for DS62 p. 51.

Tests at Étrechy, Montlhéry and Paris (p. 52)

In 3rd gear acceleration at Étrechy over 1000 m from 20 km/h, the average speeds and consumption are compared (50/62.6/51.37 then 72/57.5/70.05 km/h; consumption 17.50/12/21.075).

On the Montlhéry "Road Circuit", the average speeds reach 95.40 (NSU), 83.50 (M4) and 100 (DS62), with consumption of 16.40, 9.18 and 16.95.

Finally, on a 21 km Parisian route, the number of stops is 78 (NSU), 58 (M4) and "approx. 40" (DS62), for consumption of 18.39, 8.90 and 13.15 l/100 km, including 8 stalling stops recorded for one of the vehicles.

Context

The DS, launched by Citroën in 1955, is distinguished by its hydropneumatic suspension designed in particular by Paul Magès. Comparing a DS (here designated "DS62", probably a model or prototype from the year 1962) to lighter vehicles such as a NSU (small German saloon) is part of a classic competitive evaluation approach, common among manufacturers in the 1960s to position their models against foreign production, particularly on the criteria of consumption and urban agility — points often unfavourable to the DS due to their weight and engine capacity.

Archivist's perspective

This document is distinguished by its strictly quantitative nature: it is not a technical reflection note by Magès, but a record of comparative tests, probably intended to inform internal decisions on the performance and economy of the DS against the competition p. 51-52.

The weight difference between the DS62 (1450 kg loaded) and the other two vehicles (900 and 850 kg) probably explains the consumption differences observed, particularly in the Parisian urban cycle where the DS shows intermediate consumption despite a much lower number of stops p. 52.

This type of comparative test usefully complements the more technical work carried out by Magès on the suspension, as seen in the Road test from 2 to 5 April 1962, or in the more general reflections held during the 1960 BBC conferences. It illustrates the dimension of continuous evaluation to which the vehicle was subjected, long after its launch.