1962 Lotus Elan vs. 2008 Citroen C5
To start off, 2008 Citroen C5 is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Citroen C5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Citroen C5 (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Citroen C5 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Citroen C5 weights approximately 803 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Lotus Elan 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 1962 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Citroen C5 (190 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Citroen C5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan. 2008 Citroen C5 has automatic transmission and 1962 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1962 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Citroen C5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elan | 2008 Citroen C5 | |
| Make | Lotus | Citroen |
| Model | Elan | C5 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 66 L |
