1979 Citroen CX vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 33 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1979 Citroen CX. (106 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Citroen CX weights approximately 283 kg more than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Because 2012 Lotus Exige 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 Exige. 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, 2012 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen CX. (159 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen CX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen CX | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | CX | Exige |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 159 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 44 L |
