1966 Citroen DS vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Citroen DS would be higher. At 2,175 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1966 Citroen DS. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1966 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Citroen DS weights approximately 561 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, 1966 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, 1966 Citroen DS (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1966 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1966 Citroen DS | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Citroen | Lotus |
Model | DS | Elan |
Year Released | 1966 | 1969 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2175 cc | 1558 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 108 HP | 118 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 177 Nm | 146 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 72.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 889 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4300 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1200 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2440 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 59 L |