1973 Citroen DS vs. 2008 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 35 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1973 Citroen DS. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen DS weights approximately 260 kg more than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Because 2008 Lotus Elise 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 2008 Lotus Elise. 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, 2008 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen DS. (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Citroen DS | 2008 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Citroen | Lotus |
Model | DS | Elise |
Year Released | 1973 | 2008 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1795 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 103 HP | 189 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
Torque | 152 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 950 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2310 mm |