1974 Citroen CX vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Citroen CX would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1974 Citroen CX. (95 HP @ 3700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Citroen CX weights approximately 332 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Citroen CX. (216 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Citroen CX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen CX | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | CX | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 31 L |
