1976 Citroen CX vs. 2010 Lotus Elise

To start off, 2010 Lotus Elise is newer by 34 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 2,345 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Lotus Elise (433 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 318 more horse power than 1976 Citroen CX. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1976 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lotus Elise weights approximately 576 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 2010 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 2010 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, 2010 Lotus Elise (489 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 303 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Citroen CX. (186 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2010 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Citroen CX. 2010 Lotus Elise has automatic transmission and 1976 Citroen CX has manual transmission. 1976 Citroen CX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Lotus Elise will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1976 Citroen CX 2010 Lotus Elise
Make Citroen Lotus
Model CX Elise
Year Released 1976 2010
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2345 cc 1800 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 115 HP 433 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 7000 RPM
Torque 186 Nm 489 Nm
Torque RPM 2750 RPM 4750 RPM
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1305 kg 1881 kg
Vehicle Length 4670 mm 4882 mm
Vehicle Width 1730 mm 1915 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1354 mm
Wheelbase Size 2850 mm 2941 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 68 L 86 L