1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2001 Citroen C5
To start off, 2001 Citroen C5 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Citroen C5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 208 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Citroen C5 weights approximately 244 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 Lotus Esprit 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Citroen C5, 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, 2001 Citroen C5 (285 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Citroen C5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2001 Citroen C5 has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Citroen C5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2001 Citroen C5 | |
| Make | Lotus | Citroen |
| Model | Esprit | C5 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |
