1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Citroen C1
To start off, 2012 Citroen C1 is newer by 43 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 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2012 Citroen C1. (67 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2012 Citroen C1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Citroen C1 weights approximately 772 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, 2012 Citroen C1, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Citroen C1. (93 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Citroen C1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2012 Citroen C1 | |
| Make | Lotus | Citroen |
| Model | Elan | C1 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 157 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1472 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 35 L |
