1974 Citroen GS vs. 1999 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1999 Lotus Esprit is newer by 25 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 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Esprit (349 HP) has 291 more horse power than 1974 Citroen GS. (58 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Citroen GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Citroen GS weights approximately 267 kg more than 1999 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1999 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 1999 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1999 Lotus Esprit (351 Nm) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Citroen GS. (87 Nm). This means 1999 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Citroen GS. 1974 Citroen GS has automatic transmission and 1999 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1999 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Citroen GS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen GS | 1999 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | GS | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1220 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 349 HP |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 148 km/hour | 276 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 942 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2310 mm |
