1966 Citroen DS vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 46 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, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1966 Citroen DS. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1966 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Citroen DS weights approximately 524 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Because 2012 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 2012 Lotus Elise. 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, 2012 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Citroen DS. (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Citroen DS | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | DS | Elise |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2175 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 44 L |
