1974 Citroen CX vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1974 Citroen CX is newer by 5 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1974 Citroen CX. (95 HP @ 3700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1974 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Citroen CX weights approximately 631 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, 1974 Citroen CX, 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, 1974 Citroen CX (216 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen CX | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | CX | Elan |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 59 L |
