1974 Citroen GS vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Citroen GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Citroen GS would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1974 Citroen GS. (55 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1974 Citroen GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lotus Elan weights approximately 130 kg more than 1974 Citroen GS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Citroen GS. (72 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Citroen GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen GS | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | GS | Elan |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1015 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2260 mm |
