1968 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Citroen C4
To start off, 2012 Citroen C4 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,749 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Citroen C4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Citroen C4 (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Citroen C4 should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Citroen C4 weights approximately 735 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Citroen C4, 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, 2012 Citroen C4 (170 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Citroen C4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 2012 Citroen C4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Citroen |
| Model | Elan | C4 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1749 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
