1942 Citroen 15 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1942 Citroen 15. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1942 Citroen 15 would be higher. At 2,867 cc (6 cylinders), 1942 Citroen 15 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1942 Citroen 15. (76 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1942 Citroen 15. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1942 Citroen 15 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 Lotus Esprit 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1942 Citroen 15, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1942 Citroen 15. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1942 Citroen 15.
Compare all specifications:
| 1942 Citroen 15 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | 15 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1942 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2867 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2440 mm |
