1974 Citroen GS vs. 1997 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 23 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1974 Citroen GS. (58 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1974 Citroen GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Citroen GS weights approximately 225 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Because 1997 Lotus Elise 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 1997 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1997 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Citroen GS. (88 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Citroen GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen GS | 1997 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | GS | Elise |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1222 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65.6 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 40 L |
