1978 Citroen CX vs. 1990 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1990 Lotus Elan is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Citroen CX would be higher. At 1,905 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1978 Citroen CX. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1978 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Citroen CX weights approximately 245 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1990 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Citroen CX. (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Citroen CX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Citroen CX | 1990 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | CX | Elan |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1905 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2260 mm |
