1973 Citroen DS vs. 1994 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1994 Lotus Esprit is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Citroen DS would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1973 Citroen DS. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen DS.
Because 1994 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 1994 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1994 Lotus Esprit (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen DS. (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1994 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Citroen DS | 1994 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | DS | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2440 mm |
