1971 Citroen DS vs. 2008 Honda Element
To start off, 2008 Honda Element is newer by 37 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 2,353 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1971 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen DS weights approximately 32 kg more than 2008 Honda Element.
Because 2008 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Citroen DS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen DS | 2008 Honda Element | |
| Make | Citroen | Honda |
| Model | DS | Element |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 2353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2580 mm |
