1959 Citroen DS vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 46 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise 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 2005 Lotus Elise.
Because 2005 Lotus Elise 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 2005 Lotus Elise. 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (186 Nm) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen DS | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | DS | Elise |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
