1959 Citroen 2CV vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (13 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 588 kg more than 1959 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (24 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen 2CV | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | 2CV | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 425 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 13 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 62 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 600 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3610 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19 L | 31 L |
