1956 Citroen DS vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,909 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Citroen DS weights approximately 251 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 Lotus Elan is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1956 Citroen DS, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Citroen DS | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | DS | Elan |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1909 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |
