1959 Citroen 2CV vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 39 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (10 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lotus Elise weights approximately 210 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 1998 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 1998 Lotus Elise. 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (22 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen 2CV | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | 2CV | Elise |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 375 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 10 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 22 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 62 mm | 89.4 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 | 495 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19 L | 40 L |
