1976 Citroen CX vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1976 Citroen CX. (106 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1976 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 64 kg more than 1976 Citroen CX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Citroen CX. (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 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 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | CX | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 31 L |
