1979 Citroen Visa vs. 1991 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1991 Lotus Elan is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Citroen Visa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Citroen Visa would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Elan (160 HP) has 125 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Visa. (35 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Visa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Lotus Elan weights approximately 275 kg more than 1979 Citroen Visa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1991 Lotus Elan (143 Nm) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Visa. (50 Nm). This means 1991 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Visa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Visa | 1991 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Visa | Elan |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 650 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 160 HP |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 79 mm |
| Top Speed | 124 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 722 kg | 997 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2260 mm |
