2001 Caterham Beaulieu vs. 1973 Citroen DS
To start off, 2001 Caterham Beaulieu is newer by 28 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, 1973 Citroen DS (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen DS weights approximately 685 kg more than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Caterham Beaulieu 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 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. 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, 1973 Citroen DS (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. (136 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Caterham Beaulieu | 1973 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Caterham | Citroen |
| Model | Beaulieu | DS |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 525 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3130 mm |
