1956 Citroen DS vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 32 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (65 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Citroen DS weights approximately 70 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1988 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 1988 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (133 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 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 | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | DS | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 65 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1258 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 31 L |
