1972 Citroen DS vs. 2001 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2001 Lotus Exige is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1972 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Citroen DS weights approximately 430 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Because 2001 Lotus Exige 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 2001 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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, 2001 Lotus Exige (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen DS | 2001 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | DS | Exige |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2310 mm |
