1968 Citroen DS vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1968 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1968 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Citroen DS weights approximately 425 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 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, 1968 Citroen DS (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1968 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Citroen DS | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | DS | Elise |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 186 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 38 L |
