1948 Citroen 2CV vs. 1995 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1995 Lotus Elan is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1948 Citroen 2CV. (9 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1948 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lotus Elan weights approximately 338 kg more than 1948 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1995 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Citroen 2CV. (23 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Citroen 2CV | 1995 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | 2CV | Elan |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 375 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 9 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 23 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 682 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2260 mm |
