Citroën 2CV vs Renault 4 - French People's Car Fight! (1988 2CV6 Dolly & 1985 R4 GTL Road Test)

[@bobmcl2406]

I would gladly have one of each, but in my case a 2CV arrived in my garage over 20 years ago, and she's not leaving any time soon. Every time I drive it, it still puts a huge grin on my face. Not many cars have that kind of staying power.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Agreed, few cars offer such smiles per gallon!

[@chevronist]

I've had four Renault 4s - lovely car but like you, I've had my 2CV over 20 years and use it as much as possible! Part of the family.

[@russcattell955i]

Here in rural SW France rust is not a problem, hence car bodies last. My neighbour is a Citroen nut and has many variants (2cv car, van and dyane) so I see his often. otherwise they are not common these days. However, there are quite a few R4's used as 2nd or 3rd cars, owned for decades and used as a hack or for hunting. They handle rough tracks well and a dead deer fit's in the back.

[@uncinarynin]

I remember the 1980s when our neighbour in Germany had a ten year old Renault 4 with huge rust holes in the floor (you had to be careful not to drop anything or it would end up on the road). People said "in France they drive it like this because there's no TÜV"

[@russcattell955i]

@@uncinarynin In France for TUV it's CT Control Technique. cars over 4 years, every other year, less strict for old cars.

[@LysanderLH]

We’re near Marciac and I see the occasional 2CV (deux douch) but more R4s. I’d have either.

[@shremich4583]

@russcattell955i before the 90s there was no CT in France and the old 2CV and R4 on the road had holes in the floor but it was enough to drive the short ways

[@haroldpearson6025]

I had a R4 I 1975 I Zambia I took it everywhere over dirt roads. It would float.

[@johnnyverhoeven5378]

The R4 was my first car. I could fit my whole drumkit in the trunk.

[@ChromosomeSyndicate]

Prachtig toch .

[@tommyblackwell3760]

Have to admit I'm impressed.

[@JK4ManC]

I very nearly had one as my first car for the same reason. I could get the complete kit in it.

[@rabk5702]

I was a mechanic retired now and worked and drove both cars in the 80s and was a owner of Renault 4 that was more comfortable and willing than the 2cv this posting brought back some memory's :-)

[@sandystanley1237]

One of my sisters has a 2 CV. She loves it as the anti-tech statement. She is a helicopter pilot and she just adores the simple dash, the antithesis of the one in "her" $ 17M machine...

[@davidjones332]

I drive one of the original Kangoos, which in many ways is an updated Renault 4 and almost as spartan with lots of painted tin, rubber mats and wind-up windows. For many people this type of basic transport, devoid of temperamental electronic gadgetry, is still what is required. I can't part with mine because I can't see anything newer that would do the job half as well.

[@tommyblackwell3760]

My father-in-law has had his since new, and he has no plans to sell it. It works, every time, and while it may not win on style you can't beat the utility.

[@eightosaurusspelunk1598]

Those are very good cars and I love how honest they are

[@paullacey2999]

They both are the best!Shame nobody in the world is making a modern peoples car that ordinary people can afford...

[@nielskjr5432]

I love the Renault. It was a wonderful car to drive some 30 years ago when I delivered mail.

[@andrewmarsden1970]

Renault 4 for me. Something strangely cool about them.

[@philpaxton2078]

Absolutely love them. The 2CV may be more of a People's car, but the R4 is the better car.

[@obelic71]

The Renault 4 F (Fourginette) commercial van version is even more a French Icon then the 2CV Fourginette (AU/AZU/AK) . almost every bakery delivered its baguettes in a R4F in France! The roof above the rear doors of a R4F can open so you can transport longer and bulky goods.

[@alexiszorbec-legras8232]

@@obelic71 "The roof above the rear doors" called in France "Girafon" ( baby girafe).

[@obelic71]

@@alexiszorbec-legras8232 A well thought over practical design feature. One of big the reasons the R4F's outsold the 2CV fourginettes and akadiane. Even today good R4F's are expensive to buy. Even the most die hard 2CV lover must admit he has a soft hart for the R4F

[@stephenberry1205]

2CV - "More Smiles Per Mile", than any car on the planet!!!! I have owned 3 x 2CV6 in RHD from new - 1978 Club, 1982 & 1990 Charlestons - 550,000 kms in total. Once saw 134 kph on the GPS on a long down hill, passing many amazed drivers - our limit on motorways is 110 kph. Usual max is 115 kph on a flat road so long as there is no headwind. Rare in Australia - I have had 43 years of motoring sheer joy and made many friends. 1990 Charleston cost Aus$7,700 delivered Tourist Transit new in Paris. Currently insured in Sydney for Aus $42,000 and keeps going up each year.

[@PedroConejo1939]

Having owned - and thoroughly used and enjoyed - multiple examples of each, as well as Dyanes (but not R6s), I think it's a pointless argument. France is a country with a big heart and can easily accommodate two great people's cars. The 2CV was the car that haunted your rear view mirror everywhere you went in France and the R4 was the one that the Gendarmes put blue lights and he-haw-he-haw horns on. Love them both and would happily own both again.

[@geraldmellon740]

When I was young I overlooked these two cars. Now I'm nearly 60 I can see the error of my ways. Both beautiful but I think I prefer the Renault...

[@drazenradosevic7467]

Had them both, no contest for me - R4 is like a rocket ship (compared to 2CV, ofcourse :-)). In the hands of a skilled driver, on a twisty road, R4 can give cars twice as powerful a run for their money (and no, I am not that aforemented "skilled driver").

[@bradcollins9647]

Had/drove both back in the days and loved them -for totally differnt reasons. Today I would like to have one of each in the garage. As mentioned below - R4 as a daily, 2CV for the weekend.

[@ImLeuff]

Historically? Debatable, 2CV is more iconic Today? Renault 4 definitely. 2CV is a classic, a collectors car for occasional weekend blast and quite more expensive. Renault 4 I still occasionally see on the roads used by *actual* people, old folks who had it for 30-40 years and is still serving them well.

[@rigoloweb4762]

as a French, I m thinking the same thing

[@srfrg9707]

There are ev converted 2CVs all over the place. No one bothers to convert a 4L

[@rigoloweb4762]

@@srfrg9707 all over the place? what kind of place?

[@tinatpasselepoivre]

And when you mix the two you get a dyane ! Coolness of the 2cv with added practicality. Here in France you'd be surprise how many people semi daylies to daylie the 2cv and dyane.

[@chevronist]

The last holiday in France in my own 2CV I saw probably 4-2CVs in 3000kms but there were plenty of Renault 4s still in everyday use. Great to see

[@bluebear6570]

The 2CV was a bad car - right from its introduction in 1948. The only thing it had going for it, was its price, which at first, was high than the VW bug´s in Germany. The R4 was a real car, designed for urbanites as well as young families. It was competetively priced - and a success!

[@andresimoes6702]

R4. My first car and the best all arounder that I ever had. Regret the moment that I sold it.

[@miloutintin5278]

In 1965 from Paris to Istanbul and Ankara and back,a fully loaded 2CV and an R4 made an 8 weeks journey. The R4 was always the fastest but when the going got tough on intractable Turkish paths the 2CV was the only one to make it through and the R4 was left to find easier roads.

[@ferrarilover1824]

The r4 it's so popular here in Algeria

[@gabriellindstrom5963]

I like both but the 2cv is the car i drive everyday ....brilliant car!!!

[@simonhodgetts6530]

I have to say that I prefer the Tin Snail. It was the first, the most innovative, more survive in the wild, and its definitely tres chic. The Dyane was Citroen’s answer to the R4, but it lacks that unique character that defines the 2CV.

[@auggie803]

-And the 2CV can plow through snow very well due to it's tall narrow 😴 tires. U could easily go down the snowy back road & back home with a good 5"of 🌨 snow on road. If there had been more snow on the road like 6 inch's or more The 2CV would have had no problem with that amount either. These cars are built for places like the snowy French Alps.

[@GlamStacheessnostalgialounge]

Well I am a Peugeot fanatic so I should side with the 2CV and abhor the R4, but I'll admit that Renault is superior for once in my life. If anything the R4 is far more practical and accessible as a daily car you can actually use. And (at least where I'm from) R4s are far cheaper than 2CVs, like 1/4th the price for similar condition cars.

[@matterofapinion]

I'm a diehard Citroen fan, and yet I championed the 4 here... the Renault is a better car, but I'd rather have a 2CV.

[@volt8684]

Ha both loved them both. Now have berlingo mk1 the upmarket version of both. Love itdoes everything

[@XB75015]

Cars of my childhood in France! A choice between the Deudeuche or a quatrelle.

[@mascote1253]

Both are good but different The 2cv is more car and nothing else, the 4L was a good car for passengers and transform to take or carry merchandise My vote is for the 4L

[@johnwaga3702]

I have always loved the 2CV but my very first car was a bright yellow Renault 4 with a full length black vinyl sunroof!

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

As an Aussie the 2CV is the classic stereotypical symbol of everything French. I need to have one before I die.

[@stephenberry8658]

I have owned 3 in Australia over 44 years bought RHD in UK and French tourist delivery. Totally addictive.

[@BanjoLuke1]

Excellent video. I love both machines. There is an argument that the closer competition for the R4L was the Ami or the Dyane. There is also an argument that there doesn't have to be a winner. I have driven a 2Cv from the UK to the Sahara, but would rather drive a 4L on the Autoroute. Careful with your French titles ...... "Petite Pois" doesn't read well. But the video is full of affection for the cars. I'm not sure you made enough of the hatchback on the 4L.

[@dhrvb]

I prefer The 2cv. Very difficult to turn over. Keeps very well the road. I drove both.

[@thomasp818]

As a French, The Renault 4 is a better car, but the 2cv is in my heart.

[@nealeburgess6756]

I am a fan of historic people's cars. Ones that changed the history of motoring for ordinary people. Cars like the Ford Model T, the Austin 7, (I own a Ruby), the Morris Minor, the Mini, the 2CV and the Renault 4. I guess I should include the Beetle too. I think probably my favourite because of the sheer brilliance of the design is the Mini. With regards to the French pair, I have utmost respect for the R4. In 1981 I recall driving my new Metro to the south of France. I was overtaken by R4s, on twisty mountain roads. They would go round the bends so fast they were nearly scraping their door handles on the road! A seriously good and very practical car. However, my heart is with the 2CV. And, if you are patient, it is still a thoroughly usable practical car. I have seen enthusiasts going to the Sahara desert in Morocco in them.

[@UTopia-eg7gm]

Nice. Every year around 1200 (!) Renault 4’s drive to Morocco and back to France as a student project. Renault 4 still going strong. And mind you, this car has been out of production since 30 years. (See 4L trophy)

[@nealeburgess6756]

@@UTopia-eg7gm Yes. R4s are geat cars. I have a lot of respect for them. I remember in 1971 my friend's father had an early very basic one with a 3 speed gearbox. When fully loaded it strugled a bit on steep hills, but you could be sure it would get there, even if slowly in first gear.

[@CortinasAndClassics]

I like the 2cv but I prefer the Renault 4.

[@thanakonpraepanich4284]

Having the Pope in the Renault 4 club doesn't hurt either.

[@JakobusVdL]

Cool, I didn't know that the 2CV could be modified to be a hatchback. Making a great car, even greater! I love them both, utilitarian but very stylish at the same time.

[@unwrought9757]

It must’ve been ages since I’ve heard the word “idiosyncratic” in a car review for the last time. It was worth the moment indeed !

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

We aim to please!

[@jonathang9983]

2CV for me. Iconic car.

[@sasicuomo3973]

Renault 4🔝🔝💪❤️

[@ProfCalculon]

Indeed, the 2CV have maybe, more Charisma, but the “Renööh” 4 is better..👍

[@computerjantje]

Ask Danny Devito (Or watch Romancing the Stone) to find out the better one of these two. I grew up with Renaults 4. They had good internal heating as the engine was water cooled. The 2CV was not. Als the R4 was boxy with a huge trunk gate. You could carry about anything after taking the back seat out. Also it did not lean anyway like the 2CV in corners and the seats front and back were much much better. The only thing I can give to 2CV is the looks and the roll open roof.

[@davidfirth1436]

The Open University does French cars. Nice video.

[@ronwhite8503]

Out of the two it's the R4 for me. Though if I could have any car........MK1 Renault Twingo. I had one and I still miss it.

[@keithspraggs9338]

Two iconic cars great in their own way but I loved the Renault 5 we had a Lecar 5 speed not the later transverse but the earlier quirky one with gear box in front of the engine it went like hell miss it . I was used to driving a Fiat 500 1972 so the 5 was like a supercar to me. I still have the Fiat but have a 2014 Dacia Duster a best combination of Gallic and Romanian virtues

[@hunchanchoc8418]

That early 5 really WAS a 4 with a chic body on top. The earliest ones even had the bent rod dashboard gear lever.

[@stanojevicnatasa2514]

Renault 4 is better as a practical car, 2CV is a cooler design. If it was up to me, I would choose 4 as a daily driver and 2CV for classic car gatherings.

[@craigdickens791]

That was great!... 'really enjoyed it 🇨🇵👍

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks Craig!

[@b888cky]

Great video. I have both of these cars and they are both great. :) I like that you've chosen an honest examples, not garage queens.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

They go together well, don't they?

[@b888cky]

@@ClassicsWorldUK They do. :)

[@ssssssss6889]

LOL the driving position at 07:02 looks much better than more recent Renault products like the 9/11, 19, 5 . clios, megane 1 etc. Almost unbeliveable. Nice vertical steering wheel and instrument cluster and space between the wheel and the seat while the mentioned above 80s and 90s Renault had inclined steering wheel and instrument cluster that I absolutely hated. Even , the Megane 4 is today is that way. When I step out of any recent Peugeot and take the wheel of a Megane 4 , it's feels like if driving a minivan.

[@howardrobinson8496]

renault 4, my 1st car! 1981 given to me,1974 model.

[@thegearknob7161]

If I had to drive either as an only car, then R4. It's the technically better, more usable car, as it should be given how much later a design it was. Otherwise 2CV. Its pre war origins give it more charm.

[@dallesamllhals9161]

..and in a world with no tarmac?

[@Herman6507]

Incomparable. Two completely different concepts from a different era.

[@jtothew4201]

Hmm not sure that's entirely true the Renault was built to compete with the Citroen.

[@quicknickdriver8510]

Gotta love the quirky 2cv, but I’d have a R4 all day long.

[@barfuss2007]

The 2CV is the more iconic car but the R4 is the better car. I love both, my family drove a R4 in frog green :-)

[@TMKUCN]

Awsome video. I have had both. The Classic car prices show clearly that most prefer the 2CV as a charming nod to French culture and engineering, as do I. However, if you travel to South Europe and South East Europe you will se many R4s still in service, which may indicate that the R4 is better at surviving everyday use. In Denmark a R4 is practically unsellable, while a nice 2CV easily fetches 10000 euros. The same goes for the Dyane, which is arguably a better version of the 2CV, conversely, it is only worth a third of the price in Denmark. The 2CV is the original, with all its quirks and (lack of) features ;-)

[@garydunn3037]

The 2CV was often referred to as the "Up Turned Pram" by comedian Jasper Carrot. lol.

[@wardeadfr]

depends :) the best of the two for you can be the one you saw your relatives in... in my case a Renault 4, no 2cv in my memory (even if i know that my father and my mother got one) ... i still have my granpa renault 4 in my garage btw ;) the 2cv is generally much appreciated because of the "fun factor", its look, the fact you can remove the roof. but if you want a car like these to drive it and eat kilometers... take a renault 4... it s more practical and it s not so ridiculous in traffic (acceleration, cruise speed and brakes) with the last motors, especially the 1.1 34cv from last GTL clan ones. and if you want to be pragmatic... try to find a renault 6 with the cleon motor it s an evolution of the R4 with 10 more bhp, better equipment. less rustic and road capable, even a little of highway if needed

[@srfrg9707]

The 4L was and is remembered as the french post (PTT) delivery car. The 2CV is the french way of life.

[@christophecarare3944]

La conduite de la 2cv est spécial et procure du plaisir , la R4 est un bon outil certes supérieur mais ne procure aucune sensation particulière lors du pilotage

[@UTopia-eg7gm]

Both nice cars. The 2CV was very innovative when it was launched, but always during its live it lacked of power (in the beginning it had 18hp!). The Renault 4 is way better than the Deuche in every way. I would choose the R4, but I would love to have one of each.

[@petercrosland5502]

That Renault 4 might be slightly better with the bigger 1100 engine, but the earlier 850 one was awful. I ended up beating mine with a tree branch long before John Cleese attacked his 1100. As to the different wheelbase on each side of Renault 4 and others, look under Citroen H van -1948 on - and guess what?

[@sevesellors2831]

Great review both great cars shame they died but Renault are planning another 4. However the nearest car to these classics is the Fiat Panda the Italian version and I think still the best selling car in Italy. Perhaps a test on the Panda today’s people’s car!

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Funny you should suggest a Panda video...

[@terryatkinson899]

Fiat for me too but I'm biased as I have 2of them

[@andrewbarten7347]

The Renault is obviously the 'better' car. The 2CV is the 'iconic' one.

[@edwardbyard6540]

I’d love a R4.

[@ccooper8785]

I might be biased by having owned a 2cv but I would recommend the R4 any day. The 2cv is too under powered for regular use and, even then, it was hard to find spare parts. Looking back 40 years to when I owned the 2cv I wish that I had bought a Skoda Estelle instead... (Skoda dealer was much closer than the Citroen one was and had a far better reputation)

[@user-gl2eq2ly4g]

Both iconic...... Vive la voiture!!!

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Oui oui!

[@asa1973100]

I prefer the 2cv and after owning five of them from 1984 - 2000 that’s my opinion but the Renault 4 is a much better car to live with in terms of a heater and functionality and comfort

[@devroombagchus7460]

I didn’t buy a 2CV, because in winter, even with the hose attached properly, it was colder inside than outside. Idling on a rainy day would mist up the windows so much that you couldn’t see the traffic lights. 😊

[@Disques13Swing]

I had an R4 for a couple years. I think it would have been much better with the 1.4 engine and five speed gearbox from the early R 4.

[@lukenicholsonoriginalmusic5475]

Brilliant video

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks Luke!

[@claretbuck1882]

Awesome guys

[@adarbs6384]

R4 any day of the week for me! Love to get my hands on one as a daily, but they're like hens teeth now ☹️

[@zapopper]

Actually - The original 2CV had a soft top that rolled all the way to rear bumper - and there was no trunk bonnet which makes it the first hatchback of the two...

[@finleyplympton]

2CV is the best

[@UTopia-eg7gm]

For you maybe. I prefer the Renault 4. Of course.

[@alvarocobo192]

Yes yes yes

[@TheZuckerhund]

The Renault 4 wouldn’t have existed without the 2CV to copy and improve upon. Had both, as bangers, and in old age in the U.K. the 2CV lasts better. And you can get parts way easier and service. Love both though but haven’t had a 4 interrupt the last 20 solid years of Citroën 2CVs various, partly because they’ve disappeared. I’ll have another 4 though, eventually, in tandem with a more trusted 2CV/Dyane/Ami.

[@petercrosland5502]

Not really comparing like with like, the R4 was a Dyane competitior after Louis Renault realised they may have been shoving the engine in the wrong end. Original R4 had 747 cc engine and 3 speed box, most had 848 cc and 4 speed. I have had both and ended up beating my R4 with a piece of tree long before John Cleese. It leaked, it fell in bits both mechanically and bodily but against the Dyane simply no comparison and the reason is the gearing. The different wheelbase on the Renault 4 is the same as the Citroen H-van of 1948. I hired a GTL in Morocco and yes it was impressive but it had taken a long time to get there.

[@rayanehaddad8406]

i believe you can still use the Renault ' as a daily so i like that car

[@LysanderLH]

I want a R4.

[@jimcraig6523]

A peoples car is defined by how many people actually want to own one and physically end up buying one. So no matter what the arguments are for the 2CV the Renault 4l is clearly the preferred choice of the people world wide and is therefore the peoples car. For the argument that without the 2cv the Renault 4 would not exist is the same as saying without VW Beetle the 2CV would not exist. After driving for a few hundred miles or living with car for a few weeks the head always rules the heart and that is why the Renault always wins

[@davidhayes4814]

In 1988 the 2CV was so so outdated. It was a fashion statement/icon.

[@michaelschulz9164]

Cv2 ....for the woke ....R4 ... for serious people

[@burgerdentone16]

tuve un R4S al que lo hacía hablar! divierte mas andar al límite, que andar rápido🙂

[@didierlemoine6771]

How can u hv a sun roof on ur R4 ?

[@TheStobb50]

Renault 4 Best by far

[@srfrg9707]

not offroad though

[@uzaiyaro]

I don’t think you could get the R4 without the 2CV. Of course the R4 would be better, because they had an opportunity to learn lessons from the 2CV, and had a base on which they could improve. However, if our metric is based on how adorable the car is, they both win.

[@fed9096]

No one mentions the brakes..we’re they any good?

[@Pico_Farad]

Notice how the guy in the 2CV has to shout while the other guy speaks at a normal voice.

[@matterofapinion]

In fairness, I have a louder voice than Jack does.

[@2adamast]

At 120 km/h the 4L was hell

[@Pico_Farad]

@@2adamast I bet the 2cv couldn't even reach that speed 😄

[@leojonkers3181]

The Citroën 2CV have much more personality then the Renault. The 2CV is kind of art. The Renault 4 is not bad, I even like it a bit. But most people will forget the Renault 4, while the 2CV will in everybody's mind forever!

[@edward002gaming]

Il choose 2cv because its fun

[@Tutanchamun1341bc]

2 CV for the heart R 4 for the brain Love both

[@bryanmower2703]

At least the R4 didn't have to shout to be heard over his bag of spanners

[@MirkoC407]

So which gears are mos important for city and curvy country roads on a 4 speed? 2 and 3! How to shift them in the 2CV? Forth-back. How in the R4? Forth-sideways-Forth and back-sideways-back. Even that unusual gear box was developed by engineers to be better and not without thought. I have neither - but if I'd buy one it would be the 2CV.

[@erikberg1623]

I’m always amazed at how Brit collector cars are always rusting away. You would think that they would be put away during the winter.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Many of us don’t have that luxury!

[@erikberg1623]

@@ClassicsWorldUK Most of my collection in the US have always been middle aged man toys. My vintage Porsche 911s or Hot Rods were never driven in the rain or snow. Most of my neighbors were also going through middle age and also built or restored collector cars. I never had more than one or two in various stages of repair or restoration. Great fun and gave you something to do in the long grey & wet winters of the Pacific Northwest.

[@MrGnoux23]

R4 for daily, and 2CV at week-end. Debat is over now.

[@twingnol]

Renault 4 is not only hatchback. It is also a crossover;)

[@rev.waynet.oleary7387]

Both great, Renault became more of a family car.. I've had 3 2cvs, the best!

[@pedropinheiroaugusto3220]

They are completely different cars and the fact that they "competed" or are considered "rivals" is a eulogy to the 2CV engineering and cultural achievement as the "fundamental" or "minimal expression" car. Also, if you want to compare numbers, you have to count all the 2CV spinoffs...

[@computerjantje]

disagree on the spinoffs. The spin of of the 2CV is the "Diane'. But the spinoff of the R4 is the R5. And we all know that the R5 even today is driving around, is a very popular car until some 10 years ago and was way way way more popular then the Diane.

[@Rammstein56]

The answer is simple, the 2CV is a pre war drsign and the R4 is a post war design. The R4 is in fact a perfectioned 2CV and both are means of transport, not cars.

[@FabianDiaz-qt1mq]

El 4 latas es más funcional, pero conducir un 2cv es mágico!!!

[@chrisklein8999]

I love my old 2cv in red.....its easy and french and simply

[@tinatpasselepoivre]

Objectively the R4 buries the 2Cv in many regards. But in doing so it lost charm and soul. In that regard if you want a quasi-soulless AB car why bother with a R4 when there is tons of better, more recent options for a lesser price? And that's why the 2cv is now better. Because for all its flaws it as a soul and its fun DESPITE being a AB car. And that what you want if you are in the market for a car this ancient. Every time sun is up I pick my Dyane (added practicality with a 2cv platform what's not to like?), put the top down, put on my industrial grade ear plugs and ENJOY my ride even going to work.

[@didierlemoine6771]

Both r iconic in France, both r becoming new EV :)

[@JP-su8bp]

If I got to pick one of these two cars for a daily driver, I'd pick the Renault-- I think it's objectively the better vehicle. If I got to pick one for day trips and car shows, I'd pick the Citroën-- subjectively it's the better vehicle.

[@leneanderthalien]

the 2cv was never think as a "city car", was think as a pure countryside car, able the be easy and efficient drive on dirth roads, and not forgott that the specifications from the 2cv was made in the 30's, first preserial 2cv was made in 1939 (with water cooled engine and aluminium body) , 250 was made for the 1939 "salon de l'automobile",canceled because the war, and to avoid the capture from the germans, all preserie 2cv was destroyed, only 5 prototypes was preserved hidden in a secret attic. After the war did Citroën improve the car and reduce the manufacture costs, but because the heawy war destructions and german plunder in France, was the car only launch in 1948, in very small production number...The only real advantage from the Renault 4 was : a bit less noisy because the water cooled 4 cyl, and the serial hatchback (who was awailable on 2cv's only optional in the last years, or on the Dyane)

[@crashbox7130]

The Renault 4 is the best Citroen that Citroen never made. It's a well-known fact in the 2CV world that Renault head-hunted Citroen engineers in the 1950s so they could use Citroen R&D to fast-track a replacement for the rear-engined RWD 4CV with a front-engined FWD car, the R4. Citroen was not too pleased at the time and the MD wrote to his counterpart at Renault to demand recompense. The then nationalised Renault responded that if Citroen continued to make a fuss then the French government would ensure that Citroen would be crushed out of existence.

[@UTopia-eg7gm]

Sources?