1971 Citroen DS vs. 1984 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1984 Lotus Esprit is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Citroen DS would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1971 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen DS weights approximately 145 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1984 Lotus Esprit 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 1984 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen DS | 1984 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | DS | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2490 mm |
