1973 Citroen DS vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 38 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1973 Citroen DS. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 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 284 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Because 2011 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 2011 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen DS. (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Citroen | Lotus |
Model | DS | Elise |
Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 103 HP | 217 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 152 Nm | 210 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 926 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3785 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1118 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2299 mm |