1973 Citroen DS vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 39 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, 2012 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1973 Citroen DS. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen DS weights approximately 301 kg more than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Because 2012 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 2012 Lotus Exige. 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, 2012 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen DS. (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Citroen DS | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | DS | Exige |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| 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 | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2299 mm |
