1948 Citroen 15 vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Citroen 15. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Citroen 15 would be higher. At 2,866 cc (6 cylinders), 1948 Citroen 15 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1948 Citroen 15. (76 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1948 Citroen 15. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 3 kg more than 1948 Citroen 15. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1948 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Citroen 15. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Citroen 15.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Citroen 15 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | 15 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2866 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2460 mm |
