2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1968 Citroen DS
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Citroen DS would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1968 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1968 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Citroen DS weights approximately 670 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
Because 2004 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 2004 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1968 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Caterham | Citroen |
| Model | 7 | DS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 3130 mm |
