1959 Citroen DS vs. 1962 Lotus Elan

To start off, 1962 Lotus Elan is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen DS weights approximately 730 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan.

Because 1962 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 1962 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 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, 1962 Lotus Elan (138 Nm) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1962 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.

Compare all specifications:

1959 Citroen DS 1962 Lotus Elan
Make Citroen Lotus
Model DS Elan
Year Released 1959 1962
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1911 cc 1496 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 74 HP 100 HP
Engine RPM 4500 RPM 5700 RPM
Torque 137 Nm 138 Nm
Engine Bore Size 78.1 mm 81 mm
Engine Stroke Size 100 mm 72.7 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 7.5:1 9.5:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 3 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1320 kg 590 kg
Vehicle Length 5000 mm 3700 mm
Vehicle Width 1800 mm 1430 mm
Vehicle Height 1540 mm 1110 mm
Wheelbase Size 3140 mm 2140 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 63 L 45 L


 

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