1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2008 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2008 Citroen Xsara is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 Citroen Xsara. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2008 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 451 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Citroen Xsara, 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 Xsara (250 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2008 Citroen Xsara has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Citroen Xsara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2008 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Lotus | Citroen |
| Model | Elan | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 194 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 54 L |
