1971 Citroen GS vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Citroen GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Citroen GS would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1971 Citroen GS. (55 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 285 kg more than 1971 Citroen GS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Lotus Esprit 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Citroen GS, 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen GS. (72 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen GS | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | GS | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1015 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2440 mm |
