1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1970 Citroen DS
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1970 Citroen DS. (102 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1970 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Citroen DS weights approximately 700 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Because 1991 Caterham Super 7 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 1991 Caterham Super 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 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, 1970 Citroen DS (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (132 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1970 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1970 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Caterham | Citroen |
| Model | Super 7 | DS |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 3130 mm |
