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 2,347 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1976 Citroen CX. (115 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. 1976 Citroen CX weights approximately 130 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
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 (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Citroen CX. (186 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit 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 Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit 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 Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | CX | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2347 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2440 mm |
