1971 Citroen DS vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1971 Citroen DS is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1971 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen DS weights approximately 362 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, 1971 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, 1971 Citroen DS (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1971 Citroen DS | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Citroen | Lotus |
Model | DS | Elan |
Year Released | 1971 | 1969 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1558 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 98 HP | 116 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
Torque | 151 Nm | 146 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 72.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 850 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1200 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2440 mm |