1959 Citroen DS vs. 1990 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1990 Lotus Esprit is newer by 31 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen DS weights approximately 145 kg more than 1990 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1990 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 1990 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1990 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1990 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen DS | 1990 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | DS | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 221 Nm |
| 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 | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2440 mm |
