1979 Citroen CX vs. 2010 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2010 Lotus Elise is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Citroen CX would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Lotus Elise (405 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 304 more horse power than 1979 Citroen CX. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lotus Elise weights approximately 616 kg more than 1979 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, 1979 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 (459 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 298 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen CX. (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen CX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen CX | 2010 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | CX | Elise |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 405 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4882 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1915 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1354 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2941 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 86 L |
