1983 Citroen LN vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Citroen LN. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Citroen LN would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1983 Citroen LN. (35 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1983 Citroen LN. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Citroen LN weights approximately 5 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 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 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Citroen LN, 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Citroen LN. (50 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Citroen LN.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Citroen LN | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | LN | Elise |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 40 L |
