1976 Citroen CX vs. 1985 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1985 Lotus Esprit is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Citroen CX would be higher. At 2,347 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1976 Citroen CX. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1976 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Citroen CX weights approximately 342 kg more than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1985 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 1985 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1985 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Citroen CX. (186 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Citroen CX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Citroen CX | 1985 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | CX | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2347 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 76.2 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 |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 31 L |
