1978 Citroen Visa vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Citroen Visa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Citroen Visa would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1978 Citroen Visa. (35 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 Citroen Visa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lotus Elise weights approximately 52 kg more than 1978 Citroen Visa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Citroen Visa, 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Citroen Visa. (51 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Citroen Visa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Citroen Visa | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Visa | Elise |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 51 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 124 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 734 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 40 L |
