1979 Citroen GSA vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Citroen GSA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Citroen GSA 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 (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1979 Citroen GSA. (63 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen GSA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lotus Elise weights approximately 10 kg more than 1979 Citroen GSA. 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, 1979 Citroen GSA, 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 (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen GSA. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen GSA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen GSA | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | GSA | Elise |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 40 L |
