2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1960 Citroen DS
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1960 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1960 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1960 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Citroen DS weights approximately 830 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
Because 2003 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 2003 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1960 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Citroen DS. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1960 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Caterham | Citroen |
| Model | 7 | DS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 3140 mm |
