1959 Citroen DS vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 10 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 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 470 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, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1969 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 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Citroen | Lotus |
Model | DS | Elan |
Year Released | 1959 | 1969 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1911 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 | 116 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
Torque | 137 Nm | 146 Nm |
Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 72.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
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 | 850 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1200 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2440 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |