1960 Lotus Elite vs. 2009 Citroen C5

To start off, 2009 Citroen C5 is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Citroen C5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Citroen C5 (204 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1960 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Citroen C5 should accelerate faster than 1960 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen C5 weights approximately 973 kg more than 1960 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1960 Lotus Elite 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 1960 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Citroen C5, 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, 2009 Citroen C5 (285 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen C5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Lotus Elite. 2009 Citroen C5 has automatic transmission and 1960 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1960 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Citroen C5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1960 Lotus Elite 2009 Citroen C5
Make Lotus Citroen
Model Elite C5
Year Released 1960 2009
Body Type Coupe Station Wagon
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1216 cc 2946 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 71 HP 204 HP
Engine RPM 6100 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 104 Nm 285 Nm
Torque RPM 3750 RPM 3750 RPM
Engine Bore Size 76.2 mm 87 mm
Engine Stroke Size 66.7 mm 82.6 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.0:1 11.0:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline - Premium
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 582 kg 1555 kg
Vehicle Length 3770 mm 4620 mm
Vehicle Width 1510 mm 1780 mm
Vehicle Height 1200 mm 1480 mm
Wheelbase Size 2240 mm 2760 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 29 L 66 L