1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1959 Citroen DS
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen DS weights approximately 842 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7.
Because 1996 Caterham 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 1996 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 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, 1996 Caterham 7 (156 Nm) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1996 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1959 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Caterham | Citroen |
| Model | 7 | DS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 3140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 63 L |
