1958 Citroen 2CV vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1968 Lotus Elan is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1958 Citroen 2CV. (24 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1958 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Lotus Elan weights approximately 115 kg more than 1958 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Citroen 2CV is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1968 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1958 Citroen 2CV will offer significantly more control. 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, 1968 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Citroen 2CV. (50 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Citroen 2CV | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | 2CV | Elan |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 850 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 735 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19 L | 45 L |
