1959 Citroen DS vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1971 Lotus Elan is newer by 12 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 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 450 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Because 1971 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 1971 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (153 Nm) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1971 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 | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | DS | Elan |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1971 |
| 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 | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 153 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 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |
