1948 Citroen 2CV vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 58 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 1,803 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1948 Citroen 2CV. (9 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1948 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lotus Elise weights approximately 214 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.
Because 2006 Lotus Elise 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 2006 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1948 Citroen 2CV, 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Citroen 2CV. (23 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Citroen 2CV | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | 2CV | Elise |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 375 cc | 1803 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 9 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 23 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 62 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.2:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 682 kg | 896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 40 L |
