1961 Citroen 2CV vs. 1986 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1986 Lotus Excel is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Excel (180 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1961 Citroen 2CV. (10 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1961 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Lotus Excel weights approximately 682 kg more than 1961 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Lotus Excel 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 1986 Lotus Excel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 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, 1986 Lotus Excel (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Citroen 2CV. (22 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Citroen 2CV. 1986 Lotus Excel has automatic transmission and 1961 Citroen 2CV has manual transmission. 1961 Citroen 2CV will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Lotus Excel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Citroen 2CV | 1986 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | 2CV | Excel |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 375 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 10 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 22 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 62 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 495 kg | 1177 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19 L | 31 L |
