1977 Citroen GS vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1977 Citroen GS is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1977 Citroen GS. (55 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1977 Citroen GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Citroen GS weights approximately 296 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Because 1963 Lotus Elan 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 1963 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Citroen GS, 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, 1963 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Citroen GS. (72 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1963 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Citroen GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Citroen GS | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | GS | Elan |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1015 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 59 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 45 L |
