1976 Citroen CX vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1976 Citroen CX is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,347 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Citroen CX (128 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Citroen CX weights approximately 882 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 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 1963 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1976 Citroen CX (197 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1976 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Citroen CX | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | CX | Elan |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2347 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 45 L |
