1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1957 Citroen DS
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1957 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1957 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Citroen DS weights approximately 670 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
Because 1997 Caterham C21 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 1997 Caterham C21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1957 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, 1997 Caterham C21 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Citroen DS. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Caterham C21 | 1957 Citroen DS | |
Make | Caterham | Citroen |
Model | C21 | DS |
Year Released | 1997 | 1957 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1911 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 115 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 137 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 100 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1320 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1540 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3140 mm |