1976 Citroen CX vs. 1997 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 21 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1976 Citroen CX. (106 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1976 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Citroen CX weights approximately 560 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Because 1997 Lotus Elise 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 1997 Lotus Elise. 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, 1997 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Citroen CX. (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Citroen CX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Citroen CX | 1997 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | CX | Elise |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 40 L |
