2000 Caterham 21 vs. 1959 Citroen DS
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 41 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, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen DS weights approximately 780 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21.
Because 2000 Caterham 21 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 2000 Caterham 21. 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, 2000 Caterham 21 (210 Nm) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 1959 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Caterham | Citroen |
| Model | 21 | DS |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 3140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 63 L |
