1976 Citroen CX vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1989 Lotus Elan is newer by 13 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 2,346 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1976 Citroen CX. (128 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1976 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Citroen CX weights approximately 355 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan.
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, 1989 Lotus Elan (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Citroen CX. (197 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Citroen CX. 1976 Citroen CX has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Citroen CX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Citroen CX | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | CX | Elan |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2346 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 65 L |
