1976 Citroen CX vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 36 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, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1976 Citroen CX. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 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 379 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Because 2012 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 2012 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, 2012 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Citroen CX. (186 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Citroen CX. 1976 Citroen CX has automatic transmission and 2012 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2012 Lotus Elise 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 | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | CX | Elise |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2347 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 210 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 | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 44 L |
