1956 Citroen DS vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 25 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 60 kg more than 1956 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Lotus Esprit 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
1956 Citroen DS | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Citroen | Lotus |
Model | DS | Esprit |
Year Released | 1956 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1909 cc | 2172 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 74 HP | 208 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
Torque | 137 Nm | 277 Nm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1200 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2450 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 71 L |